What does the passage imply about Eads' hypothesis regarding his work with the Federal Government?

The correct answer indicates that Eads' hypothesis was developed prior to taking the wager, suggesting that his research and ideas were in place before he engaged in any external challenges or competitions. This context is significant as it implies that Eads had a foundational understanding of his work, which informed the hypothesis he presented to the Federal Government.

Understanding the timeline of Eads' hypothesis development in relation to his wager can shed light on how he was prepared to defend his ideas and approaches when he finally decided to put them to the test. This context illustrates the importance of having a robust theoretical framework before entering contentious or competitive situations, thereby enhancing the credibility of his claims.

Information in the other choices does not align with the implications of the passage concerning the hypothesis’ timeline. The passage does not support the notion that the hypothesis was contested or poorly received by peers, nor does it imply that it lacked diligent research. These contexts are also not explicitly connected with the government; rather, the timing of the hypothesis's formulation is highlighted, which makes the selection of the correct choice particularly pertinent.