Railroads...
It decreased the profitability of cattle ranching. It decreased the growth of small towns in the West.
Abilene kansas
After the Civil War, cattle ranching emerged as a lucrative job due to the growing demand for beef in the Eastern United States, fueled by population growth and urbanization. The availability of vast, open lands in the West and the establishment of cattle drives allowed ranchers to raise and transport cattle efficiently. Additionally, advancements in railroads made it easier to ship cattle to markets, enhancing the profitability of ranching. As a result, many sought opportunities in this booming industry, contributing to the iconic image of the American cowboy.
Yes, cattle ranching experienced significant growth after the Civil War. The expansion of railroads allowed for easier transportation of cattle to market, particularly to the East. Additionally, the demand for beef surged as the population grew and urban centers expanded. This period saw the rise of the cattle industry, including the iconic cattle drives and the establishment of ranches across the American West.
The cattle industry began in the Americas during the 16th century when Spanish explorers brought cattle to the New World. These cattle multiplied and spread across North and South America, leading to the development of ranching and cattle herding as a significant economic activity. The industry grew rapidly with the expansion of railroads and demand for beef in the 19th century.
Cattle drives were for taking cattle to the stock pens for shipping by rail. Trucks replaced the rail stock yards and now they just go from large ranches to sale. Yet, there are small cattle drives that still do take place in some areas.
Joseph McCoy had promised the Texan ranchers that if they brought their cattle to Kansas, where they could be shipped by rail, that he would pay them well for the cattle. The ranchers received three times what they could locally for their cattle, which greatly increased the profitability of ranching.
One reason would be the growth of humans, leading to the growth of cattle for food
There are many, like the claims of overgrazing, deforestation, production of methane, and even false claims of animal abuse and neglect etc., which are mere claims in themselves and not actual fact (for the most part, of course depending on where you stand and where you live), but the actual real disadvantage of cattle ranching is that it is 90% hard work and 10% satisfaction. It is not a high-profit venture, unlike most would like to believe, nor is it nearly as romantic as many books and movies make it out to be. Cattle ranching involves far more responsibilities and levels of skill than a simply job at the office or in the construction business entails.Basically, if you want to run cattle and make a lot of money and don't want to work hard, don't run cattle at all. Cattle ranching is a way of life and a business, and something that shouldn't be delved in head-first if you've no idea what you're doing or what you what you're getting into.
Growth of the railroads
Arizona's past was shaped by mining (copper, silver, and gold), agriculture (cotton, citrus fruits, and cattle ranching), and tourism (Grand Canyon and desert resorts). These industries were vital to the state's economic development and growth.
The growth of the cattle kingdom negatively affected the Plains Indians. Cattle allowed human populations to soar which pushed the Indians out of their homeland.