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The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

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Page 1: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

The Transcontinental Railroad

Transcontinental-Across the Continent

The American West

Page 2: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

• Railroads became an important part of the American economy beginning in the 1850’s.

Page 3: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

.. x

Omaha, Nebraska

Sacramento, California

Promontory Point, Utah

Union Pacific Railroad

Central Pacific

Railroad

· In 1863, two companies, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific, began building the first transcontinental railroad.

J

jWhy did n’t they start on the East Coast?

Page 4: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

· Labor was scarce due to the hard, dangerous work and low pay.

· Therefore, _____________labor was used.

Union Pacific - hired many Irish immigrants

Central Pacific - approximately 90% of their workforce were Chinese immigrants

Page 5: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

Chinese railroad workers perform their duties in the snow.

· The workers endured scorching deserts, blinding snowstorms, and blasted through mountains.

Page 6: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

Promontory Point, UTPromontory Point, UT(May 10, 1869)(May 10, 1869)

Promontory Point, UTPromontory Point, UT(May 10, 1869)(May 10, 1869)

Page 7: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

Teach your neighbor who mainly built the:

Central Pacific RailroadUnion Pacific Railroad

What were the hardships they faced?

Page 8: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

Effect of the Railroads: Quick and easy travel to the West

• Before the railroad....Pioneers had to travel mostly by _______________.

• The railroad turned a 6 month journey into a maximum of ___________

Page 9: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

The Impact of the Railroads

My train leaves at 4 pm. It takes 3 hours to get to Knoxville. So…

hmm…I will arrive at 7?

I forgot to wind my watch…and now I’ve missed

my train.

Page 10: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

Railroad ConstructionRailroad ConstructionRailroad ConstructionRailroad Construction

4 minutes per line of longitude.=How many lines to equal 1 hr.

Page 11: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

The Impact of the Railroads

In 1864, George Pullman designed a railroad sleeping car.

Now people can travel for work and for pleasure.

Page 12: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

The Impact of the Railroads

In 1869, George Westinghouse helped make railway travel safer and faster with the invention of a new air brake.

Page 13: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

The Impact of the Railroads

Railroad lines also added dining cars where porters, conductors and waiters attended the needs of passengers.

Page 14: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

With your partner, list three impacts the railroad could have

on the economy.

Page 15: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

Economic Growth1. Steel/Iron-Tracks

2. Lumber-Railroad Ties

3. Coal-Fuel for engines

4. Working on the Trains

5. Towns-Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions

Page 16: The Transcontinental Railroad Transcontinental-Across the Continent The American West

Teach your neighbor 3 advantages the transcontinental

railroad brought to America.