Transcontinental Railroad

Front

Symbolic joining of East and West

Back

Fulfillment of Manifest Destiny and a continental nation stretching from sea to shining sea.

Front

Construction of the Transcontinental Railroad

Back

Built out of the Midwest and from the West Coast to unite the nation following the Civil War.

Front

Impact on settlement of the West

Back

Allowed various groups to help settle the west, transforming the region and its inhabitants.

Front

Role of immigrants and freedmen

Back

Irish, German immigrants, and freedmen built through Indian Territory; Chinese cut through Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Front

Opportunities created by the Railroad

Back

Brought people west for farming or mining, creating major towns that became modern cities.

Front

Impact on Native Americans

Back

Laying iron through their territory and destruction of buffalo changed their way of life.

Front

Transformation of the country

Back

Created travel opportunities, revolutionized cross-country travel time, and facilitated movement of goods and services.

Front

Significance of the Railroad

Back

Made the United States a World Power and ushered in a new era of American Ingenuity and building.

Front

Economic Growth and the Railroad

Back

The railroad spurred economic growth by connecting markets and facilitating trade across the country.

Front

Labor Challenges

Back

Harsh working conditions faced by laborers, including long hours, dangerous tasks, and minimal pay.