The Development and Impact of Railroads in the United States

What was one of the main reasons people wanted to travel west in the 1800s?

• To find new jobs in the east

• To visit family in Europe

• To escape the cold weather

• To discover gold in California

Which two cities were the starting points for the construction of the transcontinental railroad?

• Boston and San Francisco

• New York and Los Angeles

• Sacramento and Omaha

• Chicago and Houston

What was a significant outcome of the completion of the transcontinental railroad?

• It led to the decline of cities along the route

• It made emigration to the west easier

• It increased travel time across the country

• It decreased the population in western states

How do trains contribute to reducing pollution compared to cars?

• Trains are slower than cars

• Trains use more fuel than cars

• Trains create more traffic jams

• Trains produce less air pollution

What type of historical documents help us understand past lifestyles?

• Modern novels

• Diaries and journals

• Current news articles

• Science fiction movies