Choose one of the following 2 arguments and defend it Argument 1: The expansion of railroads in the United States during and after the Civil War was a side effect of Westward movement and Manifest Destiny. Even if railroads didn't exist, people would have still settled the West in the same way because it is part of the American spirit. Argument 2: Railroads were responsible for most of the Westward expansion of the United States. While some exploration would have happened without the rail, the settlement of individuals and towns would have been just a tiny fraction of what actually happened.

Choose one of the following 2 arguments and defend it Argument 1: The expansion of railroads in the United States during and after the Civil War was a side effect of Westward movement and Manifest Destiny. Even if railroads didn't exist, people would have still settled the West in the same way because it is part of the American spirit. Argument 2: Railroads were responsible for most of the Westward expansion of the United States. While some exploration would have happened without the rail, the settlement of individuals and towns would have been just a tiny fraction of what actually happened.