Why was the transcontinental railroad important?

Answer 1

There are a few reasons why the transcontinental railroad was built. One reason was to transport goods and people across the country more efficiently. Before the transcontinental railroad was built, people and goods had to be transported by wagon, which was a slow and difficult process. The transcontinental railroad made it possible to transport goods and people much more quickly and easily.

Another reason why the transcontinental railroad was built was to improve communication between the east and west coasts of the United States. Before the transcontinental railroad was built, communication between the east and west coasts was slow and difficult. The transcontinental railroad made it possible for people to communicate more quickly and easily.

The transcontinental railroad was also built to help the United States government keep the peace between the Native Americans and the settlers. The transcontinental railroad made it possible for the government to send troops and supplies quickly and easily to the west coast, which helped to keep the peace.

Answer 2

The transcontinental railroad in the USA was originally pushed by Asa Whitney in 1830. He lobbied for a norther route in 1845, but was not successful in getting it approved.

In 1853 congress was persuaded to complete the Gasden Purchase, to acquire vast amounts of land in New Mexico and Arizona from the Spanish, after acquiring Southern California by conquest.

During the Civil War, it became apparent the in order to encourage the migration of people to the west, and take advantage of the huge gold deposits on behalf of the Union Army, that a transcontinental should finally be built.

Answer 3

The transcontinental railroad served as a vital link for trade, commerce and travel that joined the eastern and western halves of late 19th century United States. It promoted trade and provided jobs for many Americans.

Answer 4

The Trans-Continental Railroad was commissioned and built to link the East Coast and West Coast together. This allowed Natural Resources from the West to move back east, and for people and goods from the East to move west.

Have you ever considered what it was like making a transcontinental overland trip before the railroad? The only options were:

• stagecoach - was about the dirtiest and most fatiguing ~20 day ride of your life, often the food supplied by the stage company was rejected Army food that had already begun to rot and might give you food poisoning!! (Read Mark Twain's book: Roughing It)
• wagon train - walking all the way with a wagon drawn by oxen full to the top with a year of food and supplies, trip started in spring and must complete before first snow or many will die that winter
• living off the land - hunting and gathering every day to survive, trip often took several years

Answer 5

to get to areas all over the U.S that were not close to each other and to make it easier to obtain merchandises

Answer 6

expanded trade

easy transportation