Transcontinental Railroad History

The video discusses Michael's ancestor, Ling We, who helped build the transcontinental railroad. It explains the meaning of 'transcontinental' and details the construction process, highlighting the roles of Chinese and Irish immigrants. The video also covers the challenges faced, such as harsh working conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. It concludes with the completion of the railroad, its impact on transportation, and the pride of the workers involved.

What does the word 'transcontinental' mean when broken down?

• Across the country

• Across the ocean

• Across the world

• Across the continent

Before the Transcontinental Railroad, which method was NOT commonly used for travel to the west?

• By wagon

• By airplane

• By horse

• By boat on a river

Which two companies were responsible for building the Transcontinental Railroad?

• Central Pacific and Northern Pacific

• Union Pacific and Southern Pacific

• Union Pacific and Central Pacific

• Southern Pacific and Northern Pacific

What was the primary reason many Chinese immigrants came to the United States in the 1800s?

• To escape war

• To study

• To find gold

• To visit family

What was the most challenging part of the construction according to Ling We’s journal?

• Building bridges

• Drilling tunnels in the Sierra Nevada mountains

• Crossing rivers

• Laying tracks in the desert

What was used to mark the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• A steel spike

• A silver spike

• A golden spike

• A bronze spike

How did the Transcontinental Railroad impact the transportation of goods?

• It made transportation more expensive

• It made transportation slower

• It had no impact

• It provided a faster and cheaper method

What record did the workers set during the construction of the railroad?

• Laying 15 miles of track in one day

• Laying 20 miles of track in one day

• Laying 10 miles of track in one day

• Laying 5 miles of track in one day

What was a significant concern for the workers while building the railroad?

• Lack of materials

• Weather conditions

• Wild animals

• Indian tribes

What was the sentiment among workers upon completing the railroad?

• Disappointment

• Pride and exhaustion

• Indifference

• Frustration