How Did The Transcontinental Railroad Affect Westward Expansion

Completed in 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad opened new doors for the United States. In order for this to happen though, some had to be closed. Our country was in desperate need on some of these changes, but some we could have lived without. This great connection of the coasts brought with it many positive and negative effects on the Native Americans, society, and the environment.

People always say that the best inventions ever are phones or computers, but there is one that people take for granted. This invention changed the way we look at shipping forever. The Transcontinental railroad changed the United States economically more than socially or politically because, it allowed western states export their goods easier, increased the amount of goods exported, and made it cheaper for states to export their products. The U.S was changed more economically, because it helped transport the western states goods to the east so it could be transported. Lovelock Nevada was a city that mined silver.

The Transcontinental Railroad transformed the United States socially by allowing people to travel across the country, bringing people together, and beginning discrimination against the Chinese. The first way that the Transcontinental Railroad transformed the United States is by allowing people to travel across the country. Many ads invited “tourists and pleasure seekers” to use the Transcontinental Railroad to see mountains, valley, lakes, and more attractions (Doc G). Before the Transcontinental Railroad, it was difficult and dangerous to travel away from home, but the railroads made it easy, safe, and convenient to explore the country.

The railroad completely changed the way trade worked. Before the railroad people had to deliver goods by wagon, and that would cause a lot of problems because of the rough terrain and long delivery times, but with the railroad it made things 100 times easier for the single conductor, and the buyers who would get their product much faster than before. Railroads not only helped the economy, but it helped people as well, unlike most things that happened in the U.S. economy, there was little to nothing negative about the creation of railroads which was ideal because it is still being used today. Preceding the railroads there were steamboats, the steamboats were a big hassle because of the dangers, such as indian attacks or boiler explosions, but the Framers were not going to back down until they found the perfect way of trade, hence the railroad. Another way America increased trade was when the cotton gin was created.

It began the task of constructing a transcontinental railroad that would link the United States from the East Coast to the West Coast. "In the meantime, construction of several important railroads is being carried forward with energy. " People would not have to travel months in long wagon trains on a trip to the west. The transcontinental railroad was a significant development and it improved transportation, people could travel in a faster, safer, and cheaper way by train. Mail, supplies, trade goods, and other additional things could be shipped across the country and arrive in just a few days.

Civil engineer Theodore Judah who was located in Sacramento, California began his construction on the west coast and the Union Pacific Railroad began the constructions in 1865 on the east coast in Omaha, Nebraska. The two railroads companies met in Promontory Point, Utah on May 10, 1869, where the tracks were connected with a golden spike. “Construction of the first stage to Nevada cost $14.1 million, and the whole railroad cost $64.6 million (1860 dollars). With a loan of $37 million (1860 dollars) and 5.5 million acres granted to the railroad companies, it was the largest project supported by the federal government in the nineteenth century.” (Duran

According to National Geographic, the U.S has used over $8.5 billion dollars on the westward expansion. Since economic change has to deal with the economy, (money, resources) this is also a huge impact. No social impact was included other than Thomas Jefferson going to

The Transcontinental Railroad The completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad was an important event in the United States history. There were many challenges in building it, but after it was finished, it connected the East Coast of the United States to the West Coast. The railroad took three whole years to build, with the help of two railroad companies and thousands of other hired workers.

Not knowing anything about the history of railroads, can give one mixed feelings about diving into a reading like this. How is one going to feel, is one going to enjoy it, are some of the many questions that float around in the mind of the reader. The answers to these questions solely depend on the author and what they do to utilize their skills to try and convince or create feelings between the reading and reader. “Railroaded” by Richard White, was a book that was found to be very interesting and really opens eyes to see different views and perspectives on railroads. One can see the advancement of the nation, as only a positive in allowing us to move in a forward direction to better one’s life and future.

Marshall Lasater Mr. L Military History P6 1/27/23 Transcontinental Railroad Imagine a railroad that stretches across half of the nation. The Transcontinental Railroad was an immensely important development in American history. It connected the east and west coasts of the United States, allowing for faster transportation of goods and people across the country. The railroad also opened up new economic opportunities for businesses that could now easily move their products to far-away markets, leading to a period of unprecedented industrial growth in America during this time.

After the transcontinental railroad was completed, it costed up to $150 and took one week. For the first time, U.S. Americans could freely travel from coast to coast. This drastically changed both industry trading and transportation. It allowed goods to be shipped all over the country. Not only did it make this quicker but also

The rail system allowed people and manufactured goods to be transported quickly and for long distances. This was significant for who had migrated due to the discovery of resources such as iron and gold (Railroads and Westward Expansion,

The 1800s was a time of despair and hardships for Native Americans because they were constantly having to fight for their rights. On the other hand, in this time period the U.S. government created some phenomenal inventions. In 1862, the U.S. granted permission to railroad companies allowing them to build the transcontinental railroad. The railroad linked the country together economically, for trains would carry over goods that were made in eastern factories and bring them out west. Many citizens were attracted to the railroad because of this, causing an enormous amount of settlers to wander out west onto Native American land.

It was even considered as one of the best means of transportation in the world because of its efficiency and low rates. As stated in the text, “The policy which has been pursued has given us the most efficient railway service and the lowest rates known in the world,” (Doc 7). The further advancement of the railroads brought it to a state where it could be compared with the rest of the world and still come out on top. This would only lead to newer and better technologies to be created and have transportation become even faster than it was during this

The Tremendous Impact of Railroads on America In the late 19th century, railroads propelled America into an era of unprecedented growth, prosperity, and convenient transportation. Prior to the building of the railroads, America lacked the proper and rapid transportation to make traveling across the country economical or practical. Lengthy travel was often cumbersome, costly, and dangerous.