The end of the cattle boom was primarily attributed to which of the following?

The decline of the cattle boom in the late 19th century can be closely attributed to increased competition for open range. As cattle ranchers expanded their operations, the open range that once seemed limitless became overcrowded with herds, leading to conflicts over grazing rights and land use. Additionally, this competition often drove down the prices that ranchers could command for their cattle, which in turn affected profitability and sustainability in the industry.

While barbed wire certainly played a significant role in shaping ranching practices by allowing landowners to fence their properties and manage their herds, it was part of a broader context of land use and competition rather than the sole reason for the end of the cattle boom. The demand for beef fluctuated over time, and although periods of high demand occurred, they were often not accompanied by sufficient supply due to environmental factors and overgrazing, which contributed to the industry's decline. Thus, the pressures of increased competition and changing land management practices were pivotal in ending the cattle boom era.