Transcontinental Railroad and the American West

What were the conditions of traveling west before the railroad?

• Long journeys by wagon or on foot

• Traveling west was improved through highways.

• Easy to get to from coast to coast

• 6 month Journey

What was the purpose of the Transcontinental Railroad?

• To build a network of highways across the country.
• To establish a military base in the West.
• To create a national park system in the United States.
• To connect and unite the eastern and western United States by rail.

Who was responsible for building the Railroad through the mountains?

• Irish Immigrants/ Laborers

• Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan

• Tourists and adventurers
• Chinese Immigrants/ Laborers

How did the transcontinental railroad affect the Native Americans? (select all)

• They were forced off their land

• Buffalo were killed/ nearly instinct

• The government tried to preserve their way of life

• The railraod was destructive to their way of life

How did the Transcontinental Railroad encourage migration West?

• Faster transportation for people and goods

• It allowed for instant communication

• It made steel faster and cheaper

• It made families want stay on the East Coast