The Transcontinental Railroad Explained: US History Review

The video explores the transcontinental railroad, built from 1863 to 1869, highlighting its impact on travel, economy, and society. It discusses pre-railroad travel challenges, the economic nationalism that facilitated its construction, and the labor forces involved, including Chinese and Irish immigrants. The railroad's completion led to standardized time zones, improved communication, and economic growth, but also sparked xenophobia and legislative actions like the Chinese Exclusion Act. The railroad symbolized national unity post-Civil War and had significant effects on farmers and the national economy.

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