Which of the following statements best explains the relationship between cities and the development of trade? A. Cities were crucial to the development of guilds and trade associations.
B. Cities became centers for collecting regional products and importing foreign products.
C. Cities encouraged civic participation through open locations for assembly.
D. Cities became centers of education and sports as job specialization encouraged more leisure
time.

the first phase of the government’s plan for settlement was building the transcontinental railroad. the railroad provided a way to bring settlers and manufactured goods west and ship their agricultural and mining produce east. the transcontinental railroad was an essential artery for rapid development of the frontier.

the second phase of the government’s plan was a liberal land distribution policy that made it possible for many people to homestead. with these two key elements—transportation and cheap land—the government rapidly achieved its goal of persuading people to move west, settle on farms, and push back the frontier.