A map shows the expansion of U.S. railroads from 1850–1860. In 1850, most of the railroads were concentrated in the North, from Maryland to New England, with a few smaller clusters of lines in the South and the Midwest. From 1850–1860, significantly more railroads were added across the country, especially west of the Appalachians and connecting the cities north of the Ohio River in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Question Use the map to answer the question. Which of the following statements best summarizes the system of railroads shown on the map? (1 point) Responses The majority of the railroads that connected the North to the South were built by 1850. The majority of the railroads that connected the North to the South were built by 1850. The railroads established by 1860 each began and ended at a major American city or port. The railroads established by 1860 each began and ended at a major American city or port. The primary direction of the railroads built between 1850 and 1860 was north to south. The primary direction of the railroads built between 1850 and 1860 was north to south. The extent of the railroads in the South was very limited compared to that of the North.

Answer 1

The statement that best summarizes the system of railroads shown on the map is: "The extent of the railroads in the South was very limited compared to that of the North." This reflects the information provided about the concentration of railroads in the North in 1850 and the limited expansion in the South, especially relative to the developments during the 1850s.