Impact of Railroads on Texas

The video discusses the development of railroads in Texas and their impact on transportation, economy, and population growth. It highlights the transition from cattle drives to rail transport due to barbed wire, the challenges of pre-railroad transportation, and the subsequent spread of railroads. The video also explains how railroads facilitated the growth of towns and cities, leading to significant population increases.

What was the primary reason for the decline of cattle drives in Texas?

• Lack of demand for cattle

• Increase in cattle population

• Rise of steamboats

• Introduction of barbed wire

Before railroads, what was a major challenge for farmers transporting goods?

• High cost of steamboats

• Lack of demand for crops

• Expensive and slow wagon transport

• Unpredictable weather conditions

How did the expansion of railroads benefit cattle ranchers?

• Increased the price of cattle

• Decreased the number of cattle ranches

• Allowed cattle to be transported by air

• Reduced the need for long cattle drives

What was a significant development around railroad water stops?

• Establishment of military bases

• Creation of amusement parks

• Formation of small towns

• Construction of large factories

What was a key feature of steam engines used in trains?

• They ran on solar power

• They were powered by electricity

• They required frequent water refills

• They could travel without tracks

Why were towns built approximately 30 miles apart in Texas?

• Because of government regulations

• To ensure equal distribution of resources

• Due to the distance trains could travel before needing water

• To avoid overcrowding

How did the railroads influence the growth of Texas cities?

• By making cities less accessible

• By reducing the population

• By causing cities to relocate

• By increasing trade and connectivity

Which city became a central hub for the Texas cattle industry due to railroads?

• Houston

• El Paso

• Fort Worth

• Austin

What was the impact of railroads on the population of Texas?

• It decreased significantly

• It remained stable

• It increased as railroads expanded

• It fluctuated unpredictably

What was the largest city in Texas in 1870?

• Dallas

• San Antonio

• Galveston

• Fort Worth