1. To fulfil Manifest Destiny and send settlers west easily
The East needed to take law, order and government over to the West and create national unity
The government wanted access to ports on the west coasts, to open up trade links with other countries
To fulfil Manifest Destiny and send settlers west easily
Money was a problem because they needed it to build the railway. They had to convince people to lend them the money
The land that was being built on was difficult and tested the skills of the engineers and construction workers
Railway workers lived in terrible conditions and faced attacks from Indians and extreme weather
Some farmers believed that railway builders only cared about profit and not good service
Wagon and stage coach companies were put out of business by the railway
The railway broke down the way of life of the Natives and disturbed the hunting grounds and buffalo herds
A lot of jobs were created
There was a huge growth in industries (e.g. steel) in America that supplied the railway
Law enforcement could travel easily to the west and sort out law and order problems
Goods could be taken from the east to the west, which allowed the west to grow and develop
Cattle ranching grew on the Plains
New cities e.g. Los Angeles grew and flourished in the west
Companies began trading with other countries via the sea ports
Contact with distant relatives became easier
Thousands of people e.g. Homesteaders were able to travel easily to the west
Trade that was helped by the railway increased the wealth of the country
The railway provided new opportunities for people and businesses