Transcontinental railroad

Definition

The transcontinental railroad was a significant railway system in the United States that connected the eastern and western coasts, completed in 1869. This monumental achievement not only transformed transportation and commerce but also played a crucial role in shaping the lives and histories of various ethnic subgroups, particularly Asian immigrants who were instrumental in its construction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Construction of the transcontinental railroad began in 1863 and was completed on May 10, 1869, with the famous Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory Summit, Utah.
2. The railroad significantly reduced travel time across the country, allowing for faster movement of goods and people, which stimulated economic growth.
3. Chinese laborers made up a large portion of the workforce for the Central Pacific Railroad, enduring dangerous working conditions, low pay, and racial discrimination.
4. The completion of the railroad facilitated westward expansion and settlement, leading to conflicts with Native American populations and significant cultural changes in the West.
5. The transcontinental railroad is often seen as a double-edged sword; while it provided new opportunities for many, it also led to exploitation and displacement for certain ethnic groups.

Review Questions

• What role did Asian immigrants play in the construction of the transcontinental railroad, and how did this shape their history in America?
  • Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese laborers, were vital to the construction of the transcontinental railroad, especially on the Central Pacific side. They faced harsh working conditions and were often subjected to discrimination and violence. Their contributions not only facilitated one of America's greatest engineering feats but also marked the beginning of a complex legacy of Asian immigration in the United States, influencing social dynamics and racial relations.
• Discuss how the completion of the transcontinental railroad impacted economic development in the United States during the late 19th century.
  • The completion of the transcontinental railroad dramatically boosted economic development by connecting previously isolated regions. It facilitated faster movement of goods, allowing for trade to flourish between the East and West coasts. This connectivity led to the rise of new industries, population growth in the West, and ultimately contributed to America's transformation into an economic powerhouse during this period.
• Evaluate the long-term social implications of building the transcontinental railroad for various ethnic subgroups in America.
  • The construction of the transcontinental railroad had lasting social implications for various ethnic subgroups. While it created opportunities for laborers from diverse backgrounds, it also intensified racial tensions and discrimination. The experiences of Chinese workers led to anti-immigrant sentiments exemplified by laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Furthermore, Native American communities faced significant displacement due to increased settlement and expansion facilitated by the railroad, altering their traditional ways of life and sovereignty.

Related terms

Central Pacific Railroad: A major component of the transcontinental railroad that started in California and employed a large number of Chinese laborers to build its track across difficult terrain.

Union Pacific Railroad: The other key company involved in building the transcontinental railroad, which started in Nebraska and primarily employed Irish laborers.

Chinese Exclusion Act:

A federal law enacted in 1882 that prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers, reflecting the racial tensions that arose partly due to the contributions of Chinese workers to the railroad.