Identify each statement as describing the Anthropocene, or the Holocene. Anthropocene the current era Press Space to open an era in the past Press Space to open a climate that remained fairly stable for about 12,000 years Press Space to open Humans must adapt to environmental changes that we have set in motion.

the first phase of the government’s plan for settlement was building the transcontinental railroad. the railroad provided a way to bring settlers and manufactured goods west and ship their agricultural and mining produce east. the transcontinental railroad was an essential artery for rapid development of the frontier.

the second phase of the government’s plan was a liberal land distribution policy that made it possible for many people to homestead. with these two key elements—transportation and cheap land—the government rapidly achieved its goal of persuading people to move west, settle on farms, and push back the frontier.