How did the mining industry affect future industries in the Indian Territory? A. It encouraged miners and settlers to leave the territory. B. It made it more difficult for railroads to continue to grow. C. It provided a labor force for future oil and natural gas industries. D. It decreased opportunities for new small businesses. Please select the best answer from the choices provided A B C D

(C) It provided a labor force for future oil and natural gas industries.

Explanation:

A:

It can't be A, because if miners and settlers had already made their industry in the Indian Territory, it wouldn't encourage miners to leave the area. Instead, the miners and settlers took control of the territory, and forced the Indians away.

B:

It can't be B, because the mining industry wasn't dependent on railroads; neither were railroads dependent on the mining industry.

D:

It can't be D, because the mining industry actually increased opportunities for small businesses!