1. 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.

2. Challenges of Building the Railroads
It was difficult to raise the money to build the railroads.
The government helped with land grants and loans
Railroads still had to come up with the startup cash
2. The railroads faced conflicts with Native American tribes that, at times, turned violent
3. Rough terrain prevented an obstacle to building the railroad.

3. Irish Rail Workers
Most of the 12,000 man workforce of the Union Pacific Railroad were Irish immigrants
Many left Ireland after 1845 because of food shortages created by the potato famine
2. They were Catholics and for the most part they were poor so people looked down upon them.
3. Railway work provided them with an opportunity to earn a living.

4. Chinese Rail Workers
The Central Pacific Railroad employed 10,000 Chinese workers which made up 80% of their labor force.
2. The CPR advertised in China promising good pay for steady work.
3. Unfortunately, the Chinese workers were paid less than the white workers and faced a fair amount of racism on and off the job.

5. Danger for Rail Workers
Indian Attacks took the lives of some railroad employees.
2. The work was dangerous as dynamite was used to blow through thick rock costing some men their lives.
3. The harsh cold and snows also created a difficult situation for the workers which cost some lives as well.

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

7. Several Factors make the Plains more attractive to settlement
Great Plains: From a Nice Place to Pass Through to a Nice Place to Live
Several Factors make the Plains more attractive to settlement
The expansion of the railroads and the sale of land by the railroads to settlers.
The settlers felt safer because the army was handling the conflicts with the Native American tribes
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

8. Challenges of the Plains
Adequate housing was difficult to come by due to lumber shortages on the Plains so settlers had to improvise.
The environment created another challenge as settlers had to deal with droughts, pests, and harsh winters.

9. Populism
Populism: a political philosophy that favors the interests of the common man over that over the interests of big business and the wealthy
Populism led some to question whether the government should do more to promote opportunity for all which would require an expansion of government