4 According to the text, why might the gold rush have contributed to the decision to build a continental railroad across the United States? A It boosted the West Coast's population so much that they needed a railroad for people and;göds to travel to other parts of the sgountry. (B) Miners needed a quick way to transport their gold back east, causing the government to build a railroad for easy access. C Sam Brannan's success in selling shovels created a demand for a railroad to transport tools across the country quickly. (D) The excitement of finding gold inspired a new trend where people started using trains to travel instead of covered wagons.

The California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s dramatically altered the demographic landscape of the West. As thousands flocked to gold-rich areas, the surge in population led to increasing demands for infrastructure. This not only meant more roads but also called for a reliable and efficient transportation system, making the construction of a continental railroad a necessity to support ongoing migration and economic activity. Moreover, the gold rush significantly impacted economic growth across the nation. By facilitating the movement of goods, people, and resources, a continental railroad would not only enable miners to transport their precious gold back to the East but would also help more people and supplies reach growing settlements. This interconnectivity spurred development far beyond mere mining, transforming the entire American landscape.