Which of the following statements describes a consequence of gold and silver mining that affected american indians in the mid-1800s?
a. plows needed for gold and silver mines destroyed native grasses.
b. the cutting down of timber for gold and silver mines led to a decrease in forests.
c. debris from gold and silver mines polluted the supplies of drinking water.
d. fences needed for gold and silver mines limited the movement of wild game.

the correct answer is - b. the cutting down of timber for gold and silver mines led to a decrease in forests.

this was the immediate effect and the effect that was taking place during all of the mining. the timber was needed in huge amounts for the mines of gold and silver so lots of forests have been totally destroyed and had never returned to their original state. this affected the american indians very badly because lots of habitats were forever lost, the fruits they gathered in the forests were destroyed, the animals that were hunted in the forests were gone, and also they had a spiritual connection with the forests so it was a big emotional blow too.

companies passed on production and transportation costs to consumers