Question

What was the West's main economy?

Economy: Farming, Mining, Cottage industry
Contributing Factor: Mild weather that attracted immigrants, Metal ores and minerals, Railroads tti transport cattle to market

Answer 1

The main economy of the West, particularly during the westward expansion in the 19th century, was primarily based on **farming**.

**Contributing Factors**:

1. **Mild Weather**: The relatively mild climate in various regions of the West attracted many immigrants and settlers, making it favorable for agricultural development.

2. **Railroads**: The expansion of railroads played a crucial role in the economy by enabling the transportation of agricultural products, particularly cattle and grains, to market. This facilitated trade and contributed significantly to the farming economy.

3. **Mining**: While mining was indeed a significant economic activity in the West, especially during the Gold Rush era, it was often more seasonal and localized compared to the steady, year-round nature of farming.

4. **Cottage Industry**: This was less of a dominant economic force compared to farming, with household production generally supplementing the primary agricultural economy rather than standing as a main economic driver.

Overall, farming was the backbone of the Western economy, supported by favorable weather conditions, agricultural technology advancements, and transportation infrastructure such as railroads.