As America was growing as a nation, the lifestyles and cuisine of its citizens was also changing. The advent of the nationwide railroad system enabled the transfer of goods, including food, from coast to coast. The bounty of the farmlands now reached urban areas efficiently. Homesteaders in the Midwest and the West, starting with family farms, were able to increase their production with new technology and greater land expanses. Southwestern ranchers and livestock breeders began shipping their cattle to both coasts, alleviating shortages in the east coast, specifically. The ready availability of food allowed for the involvement of most Americans with other pursuits required for building and strengthening of the nation. Infrastructure was further modernized, making physical movement all the more viable. 

• Describe the role that food supply had on the outcome of the Civil War. 
• Describe how the young United States was coping with the onset of the industrial revolution. and its influences, in terms of lifestyle and cuisine. 
• Specifically address the influence of ONE of the following: 
  •  Development of a nationwide railroad system 
  • Southwestern ranchers and the increase in food supply, especially meat 

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