Emergence Of Modern America: The Gilded Age - Building The Railroads

The video discusses the expansion of the U.S. railroad system from 35,000 miles in the early days to 193,000 miles by 1900, including four transcontinental lines. This growth was fueled by a high demand for steel and drastically changed American life by reducing coast-to-coast travel time from months to a week. The railroad also accelerated shipping and communication, impacting various industries during the Gilded Age.

What was the total length of railroad track in the United States by 1900?

What percentage of domestically produced steel was used for new railroad tracks?

Describe the journey across the country before the transcontinental railroad.

How did the transcontinental railroad change travel time across the country?

What were some repercussions of the increased speed of locomotives on other industries?