5. which of the following was an effect of the discovery of gold and silver on western development?
a. it caused a sharp decrease in the population of eastern cities
b. there was no loner a need for the railroad
c. the value of gold and silver decreased
d. it contributed to the opening of the western frontier
1 answer
d. it contributed to the opening of the western frontier. The discovery of gold and silver in the western region of the United States attracted many people to migrate westward and settle in the newly formed mining towns, which led to the development and expansion of the western frontier.