Question

The graph shows the spread of railways in the 1800s.

Line graph of the spread of railways in selected countries by thousands of kilometers of rail line, from 1840 to 1900. Growth for Great Britain, Germany, Russia, and the U S is shown.

Based on the graph, what conclusion can be drawn about Germany?

Until 1900, Germany had significantly fewer rail lines than Russia.
Germany could not afford to build as many rail lines as the United States.
By 1880, Germany had more rail lines than Great Britain and Russia.
Germany’s economy did not require as many rail lines as Great Britain.

Answer 1

"Until 1900, Germany had significantly fewer rail lines than Russia."

The graph shows Russia's rail-line totals stayed above Germany's throughout the period. The other choices make causal claims (could not afford, economy did not require) or a false statement (Germany had more than Russia by 1880), which are not supported by the chart.