Question 19(multiple choice worth 5 points)

(hc)

the pony express

chapter i

at a nation's crisis

by 1860, then, war was inevitable. naturally, the conflict would at once present intricate military problems, and among them the retention of the pacific coast was of the deepest concern to the union. situated at a distance of nearly two thousand miles from the missouri river which was then the nation's western frontier, this intervening space comprised trackless plains, almost impenetrable ranges of snow-capped mountains, and parched alkali deserts. and besides these barriers of nature which lay between the west coast and the settled eastern half of the country, there were many fierce tribes of savages who were usually on the alert to oppose the movements of the white race through their dominions.

california, even then, was the jewel of the pacific. having a considerable population, great natural wealth, and unsurpassed climate and fertility, she was jealously desired by both the north and the south.

based on this excerpt, what will the author most likely discuss next?

the jewels that could be found in northern california

the north's plans to defeat the south in california

the specific importance of california to the north and south

the effects of war on the population of california