The Impact of the Railroads The need for a better system of transportation and communication, especially for the movement of goods, led to an expansion of the railroads.

Challenges of Building the Railroads to raise the money to build the railroads. faced conflicts with Native American tribes Rough terrain proved an obstacle to building RR.

Irish Rail Workers the Union Pacific Railroad workers - Irish immigrants Catholics & poor so people looked down on them R.R work provided them with an opportunity to earn a living.

Chinese Rail Workers Central Pacific Railroad employed 10,000 Chinese workers. CPR advertised in China promising good pay for steady work. Chinese workers were paid less than the white workers

Danger for Rail Workers 1. Indian Attacks – killed railroad employees 2. Dangerous dynamite was used to blow through thick rock 3. Harsh cold and snows = dangerous conditions

Victory Upon its completion the Transcontinental Railroad cut down the cross country travel time from……………………. 4 months Down to 10 Days

Great Plains: The passage of 2 federal laws encouraging settlement: The Homestead Act: get 160 acres for a small registration fee (usually around $10) if you live on it and work it for 5 years Morrill Land-Grant Act: gave states land to build agricultural collleges

Challenges of the Plains housing was difficult to come by due to lumber shortages on the Plains so settlers had to improvise The environment

Populism Populism led some to questions? Should gov’t do more to promote opportunity for all? This would require an expansion of gov’t!

Safari Montage Story of Us: Heartland Chapters 1,2,3