A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What was a key factor leading to the end of the cowboy era?

1. The establishment of railways across the West

2. The rise of cattle rustling as a business

3. The introduction of communal farming practices

4. The immediate access to industrial farming equipment

The correct answer is: The establishment of railways across the West

The establishment of railways across the West was a critical factor in leading to the end of the cowboy era. Railroads transformed the cattle industry by providing a faster and more efficient means for transporting cattle to markets in the East. This development led to the consolidation of large cattle operations and the decline of the open-range cattle drives that defined the cowboy lifestyle. As ranchers began to rely on railroads, the need for cowboys to herd cattle over long distances diminished significantly, marking a shift away from traditional practices associated with the cowboy era. While other factors like cattle rustling, communal farming practices, and industrial farming equipment had various impacts on agriculture and land use in the American West, the rise of railways fundamentally altered the economic landscape. This not only affected cattle ranching but also contributed to the changing dynamics of the western frontier.