December 5, 2017 U.S. History Agenda: DO NOW: Term Matching NOTES #26: How did the transcontinental railroad affect the U.S.? CLASS ASSIGNMENT: “Grange Movement”

How did the transcontinental railroad affect the U.S.? Notes #26

In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed in the U. S In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed in the U.S., which connected railroads in the East with railroads in the West.

The transcontinental railroad contributed to the industrial growth of the U.S. by making the movement of goods easier and cheaper . . .

. . . and also helped the U.S. fulfill manifest destiny by encouraging western settlement.

The U.S. government aided the development of the transcontinental railroad by providing free land for railroad construction.

By the late 1800s, farmers in the U. S By the late 1800s, farmers in the U.S. depended on railroads to transport farm crops.

Farmers found that earning a living was increasingly difficult because railroad companies charged high rates for transporting farm crops.

As a result, farmers supported the regulation of railroads by the U. S As a result, farmers supported the regulation of railroads by the U.S. government . . .

. . . and began joining the Grange, which was an organization that tried to help farmers by forcing railroads to lower their rates.