What positive and negative effects did railroads have on the US. western frontier?

Answer 1

positive effects, yo: i think that the growth of railroads in the US probably helped the economy because people were able to use them for travel which in turn added income to the economy by them having to purchase tickets. another way positive effect would probably be that we were able to ship and receive imports and exports alot faster using the railroad systems.

negative effects, yo: the only negative effects that i can think of would be that it definitely polluted our environment, and that it took alot of money away from the country's budget to build railroads and purchase locomotives.

Answer 2

Railroads made transportation of people and goods of all kinds, faster, easier, and more efficient. In short, it made the US. more productive and erased the frontier altogether. There was a painful downside though*.

More Information:

They revolutionized entire continents, connecting cities and ports with small towns and rural areas. Markets, consumer choices, travel, and opportunities were expanded and enhanced. Products found markets that were unavailable prior to the coming of the railroads, making most commodities cheaper. Travel also, was more convenient and cheaper. Many new communities were established and thrived. Companies and individuals were presented with what must have seemed like unlimited opportunities.

* The railroads polluted and destroyed irreplaceable ecosystems, and animal habitats. Populations of animals and humans too, were irreparably damaged. Some so traumatized that they disappeared altogether. Even social structures were destroyed, all sacrificed at the alter of expansion.

Answer 3

the negative was that the trains had to be held up and the positive is that it made travling easier