Question

the expansion of the rail networks led to
a growth in the steel industry.
a growth in the textile industry.
a decline in the coal industry.
a decline in the meatpacking industry.

Explanation:

Rail network expansion required large quantities of steel for rails, locomotives, and infrastructure, directly driving demand and growth in the steel industry. The textile industry's growth was tied to consumer demand and factory systems, rail expansion supported coal use (it didn't cause decline), and meatpacking grew with rail access for distribution, not declined.

Answer:

a growth in the steel industry.