1. Which was the most influential in opening the West? Explain.

· Transcontinental Railroad

· Homestead Act

· Oklahoma Land Rush

2. Which caused the greatest financial difficulty for farmers after the Civil War? Explain.

· Railroad Rates

· Hard Currency

· Income Tax Structure

3. Which technological innovation in agriculture had the greatest impact on the growth of the West? Explain.

· Mechanical Reaper

· Windmill

· Steel Plow

1. Transcontinental Rail Road

2. RailRoad Rates

3. Steel Plow

Explanation:

1) The most influential in opening the West was the Transcontinental Railroad. The Transcontiental Railroad opened up the West because it gave access to millions of citizens the opportunity to move to western states much quicker and cheaper than previous methods of transportation (such as horse and carriage). Along with this, the railroads allowed for easier trading making it so that Westerners could easily sell their goods to national markets.

2. RailRoad Rates

3. Steel Plow