Unit 6--Quiz 1--Homesteaders and the Transcontinental Railroad

The first attempts to create a transcontinental railroad failed in part because?

• the technology was not sufficient

• Congress could not agree on where the line would run

• the Civil War blocked construction

The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862

• established a competition to see which of two companies would build the line

• called for two different transcontinental routes to be built at the same time

• called for two companies to build the line from two different directions

The first Transcontinental Railroads included all of the following; EXCEPT?

• Union Pacific

• Union Atlantic

• Central Pacific

The workers on which railroad construction crew encountered Attacks from American Indians and Harsh weather?

• Union Pacific

• Central Pacific

There were few towns along the route of the railroads. Why was this a challenge?

• The railroads could not hire local workers

• Equipment, rails, food, and even water had to be shipped long distances

• The workers had no place to spend their wages

In exchange for constructing the railroad the railroad companies received ________ from the federal government?

• Money

• Land

• Free Transport on the railroad

How did the railroads make money from there arrangement with the federal government to receive land instead of payment?

• They sold land to settlers and investors

• They constructed homes along the route which they then sold

• They sold the land back to the government

Which of the following statements BEST describes how the transcontinental railroad impacted American Indians?

• It allowed them to ship their goods more quickly to eastern markets

• It prevented them from engaging in their traditional way of life

• It decreased conflicts between settlers and American Indian groups

What was the Homestead Act?

• Law that prevented railroad companies from buying land

• Law that granted land to settlers who met certain criteria

• Law that offered government subsides to people starting businesses

Which characteristics did a homesteader need in order to take advantage of the Homestead Act? Check all that apply.

• Be 21 years old or the head of a family

• Be an experienced farmer

• Have a large family

• Be able to live on and improve the land for at least 5 years