All Aboard! Railroads and Their Impact on Nevada

Why is Mark Bassett considered a credible source for information about Nevada's railroad history?

• He wrote the original law that created the railroad.

• He is a retired train conductor who used to drive the trains.

• He is the Executive Director of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.

• He is a historian who specializes in American presidents.

When Mark Bassett refers to “the darkest days” of the country, what major historical event is he providing context for?

• A. The Great Depression of the 1930s.

• The Gold Rush of 1849.

• The Civil War (1861-1865).

• The building of the Hoover Dam.

What supporting question about the country's needs did the Pacific Railroad Act primarily aim to address?

• How can we encourage more people to settle in the East Coast?

• How can we easily unite the country and improve travel and trade with the West?

• How can we protect the mining industry from foreign competitors?

• How can we create a fast way to move letters across the ocean?

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What evidence does Mark Bassett use to show the "Grand dreams" the railroad made possible? (Select the best answer)

• It gave people an easy way to move goods, resources, and settlers across the entire continent.

• It allowed Nevada to become the official state capital.

• It created many new jobs for people running the train gift shops.

• It helped the government send checks to poor families.

Based on Mark Bassett's interview, explain the central idea of why the Transcontinental Railroad was so important to the United States and Nevada. In your answer, you must cite at least two pieces of evidence (details, facts, or ideas) that Mr. Bassett used to support this central idea.