Transcontinental Railroad

Based on this map, which of the statements below is NOT an accurate description of railroads in 1860?

• There were no transcontinental railroads.

• Most railroads were in the southwestern United States.

• The northeast had the most railroads.

What government policies helped businesses build railroads during the 19th century? (check all that apply)

• Loans from the government.

• Strict rules about worker safety.

• Land grants from the government.

• There were no policies.

TRUE or FALSE: One effect of the transcontinental railroad was that many civil war veterans, former slaves, and European immigrants moved west.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Why did people move to the Western Frontier?

• To build the railroad.

• To become farmers and cowboys.

• To mine for gold and silver

• All of the above

Workers on the Central Pacific railroad ( the western portion shown in red on the map) were primarily...?

• Irish immigrants

• Chinese Immigrants

• Former Slaves

Based on what you have learned, how do you think the transcontinental railroad changed life in the United States?