For This Question,refer to John Gast's 1872 Painting,American Progress

For this question,refer to John Gast's 1872 painting,American Progress. The sentiments expressed in the painting led most directly to

A) an increase in the internal slave trade.
B) the emergence of the Republican Party in the North and Midwest.
C) environmental transformation of the western region.
D) questions about the status and legal rights of Hispanics and American Indians.