Use the image to answer the question.

Question

The event shown in the image impacted westward migration and settlement in that it

A.
led American settlers to invest more heavily in the ranching and cattle industries than in traditional farming enterprises.

B.
opened the middle of the continent to more settlement and economic development by connecting many places from coast to coast.

C.
spurred peace negotiations with Native Americans to foster safe construction and operation of the railroad across the western frontier.

D.
encouraged business and industrial development at the expense of farming and ranching in the West by building railroa

Answer 1

B. opened the middle of the continent to more settlement and economic development by connecting many places from coast to coast.

The image likely represents the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, which greatly impacted westward migration and settlement by providing faster and more efficient transportation across the continent, leading to increased economic growth and expansion.