Which of the following was an effect of the discovery of gold and silver on western development?

It caused a sharp decrease in the population of eastern cities.
It caused a sharp decrease in the population of eastern cities.

There was no longer a need for the railroad.
There was no longer a need for the railroad.

The value of gold and silver decreased.
The value of gold and silver decreased.

It contributed to the opening of the western frontier.

1 answer

The correct effect of the discovery of gold and silver on western development is:

It contributed to the opening of the western frontier.

The discovery of gold and silver in the American West led to the establishment of mining camps and towns, which in turn spurred migration and settlement in those areas. This contributed significantly to the expansion and development of the western frontier.