Impact of Railroads on the Economy

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Railroad industry impact on the economy after the Civil War

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The railroad industry dramatically increased, transforming the American economy and connecting vast regions for efficient transport of goods.

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Expansion of railroad tracks in the U.S.

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The United States expanded from 35,000 miles of track in 1865 to over 193,000 miles by 1900.

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Pullman Sleeping Car development

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Developed for long-distance travel comfort, requiring glass, cloth, wood, and other fittings, driven by railroad industry production.

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Capital investment for railroads

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Significant capital was needed, acquired through government subsidies and private investments, to maintain a nationwide business.

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Role of managerial staff in railroads

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Large, professionally trained managerial staffs were necessary to manage passengers, cargo, and equipment efficiently.

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Commissioning of the Transcontinental Railroad

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Commissioned in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln with the signing of the Pacific Railroad Act into law.

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Central Pacific Railroad

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Began in Sacramento, California, and headed east.

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Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad

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Completed at Promontory Point in the Utah territory in 1869.

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Impact of the Transcontinental Railroad

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Connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, facilitating population migration and economic growth.

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Manifest Destiny and the Railroad

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The railroad furthered Manifest Destiny by connecting the West by rail.