10.1

Boomtowns were towns that

• consisted only of tents.

• had immense wealth.

• sprang up quickly near mining sites.

• charged high prices for ordinary goods.

Vigilantes were groups of people who

• argued for law and order.

• took law enforcement into their own hands.

• took over state governments.

• banded together to appoint law officers.

Why were large companies able to take over most of the mining operations in the West?

• They had the power to drive individual miners away.

• They could purchase the land on which the mines were located.

• They had the money to buy the expensive machinery to dig deeply underground.

• Miners wanted to work for guaranteed wages.

Besides blasting tunnels through mountains, what else did the railroad companies do that changed the environment?

• routed railroads around high mountains

• drained lakes

• cut through forests

• laid track over sand

What was the overall effect the Transcontinental Railroad had on the United States?

• It united the country politically.

• It allowed ranchers to get their herds to market.

• It made canals and shipping unnecessary.

• It led to economic and population growth in the West.

Before a national network of railroads could exist, it was necessary to standardize

• the price of tickets.

• the number of cars per train.

• the gauge of the tracks.

• the per-pound charge for freight.

Why were laws passed to regulate railroads?

• Unfair practices were affecting consumers.

• The government wanted to take over the railroads.

• Too many people were being injured.

• The Panic of 1893 forced the government to regulate railroads.