I think this is the correct answer, but let me know if it is incorrect. People were having more children per family.
One of the main ways in which changes to the railroad helped American industries to grow is that the expansion of the rail system led to increased migration to the west, which led to more farming and agricultural output. Another would be that it led to settlements that ultimately led to business that were able to conduct business over state lines with great ease.
Across the state, agriculture and the new industries of oil and lumber fell victim to the growing economic depression. The state's economy was further crippled by the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl.
