B) The mining and cattle ranching industries increased in the West.
Railroad made transporting resources and goods to cities to be manufactured and processed which encouraged growth in the western industries.
Mining for gold, silver, iron, and tin contributed to production of manufactured goods. The ability to make money off of the mining industry attracted settlers. Ranching also increased in production with land opening up in the southwest and railroads connecting ranching areas to major meatpacking cities, like Chicago.
Answer:
Silver was and still is a rare element that shows wealth/power. It would show neighboring countries the amount of wealth and power a certain country and or area had.
