Transcontinental Railroad

Definition

The Transcontinental Railroad was a network of railroads that connected the eastern United States to the western territories, completed in 1869. This monumental project transformed transportation, facilitating the movement of people and goods across vast distances, significantly impacting the economy and society by promoting westward expansion and altering trade routes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Transcontinental Railroad was officially completed on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah, where the Golden Spike was driven to symbolize the joining of the two rail lines.
2. Construction of the railroad involved thousands of laborers, including many immigrants, particularly Chinese workers who faced harsh conditions and discrimination.
3. The railroad reduced travel time across the country from months to just a week, revolutionizing commerce and communication.
4. It played a significant role in the expansion of industries such as agriculture and mining by providing easier access to markets and resources.
5. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad also contributed to conflicts with Native American tribes as settlers moved westward, leading to significant cultural and territorial changes.

Review Questions

• How did the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad impact American society during its time?
  • The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad significantly transformed American society by facilitating rapid westward expansion and settlement. It allowed for easier movement of people, leading to increased migration towards western territories. This shift not only changed demographic patterns but also encouraged economic growth through enhanced trade and commerce across regions.
• Evaluate the economic consequences of the Transcontinental Railroad for both Eastern and Western states.
  • The economic consequences of the Transcontinental Railroad were profound for both Eastern and Western states. For Eastern states, it opened new markets for manufactured goods while providing easier access to raw materials from the West. In contrast, Western states benefited from increased access to capital and labor, boosting industries such as agriculture and mining. This interconnectedness fostered national economic growth and contributed to America's rise as an industrial power.
• Analyze how the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad influenced federal policies towards Native American tribes during westward expansion.
  • The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad had significant implications for federal policies towards Native American tribes. As settlers poured into western territories due to increased accessibility, tensions rose over land ownership and resource competition. The government often resorted to policies that displaced Native Americans from their ancestral lands, leading to conflicts and treaties that stripped tribes of their rights. This shift reflected broader themes of Manifest Destiny and reinforced a narrative that justified expansion at the expense of indigenous populations.

Related terms

Central Pacific Railroad: A key component of the Transcontinental Railroad, this railroad company built the section that extended eastward from California, playing a crucial role in connecting the west with the east.

Union Pacific Railroad: Another major player in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, this company built westward from Omaha, Nebraska, meeting the Central Pacific in Utah.

Railroad Land Grants: Federal government land grants provided to railroad companies to encourage construction of railroads, crucial in financing the Transcontinental Railroad and promoting settlement in the West.