Effect of the Transcontinental Railroad on Americans
Travel
Before |
After |
Before the Transcontinental Railroad, the best way to get from coast to coast was by ship. However the trip at sea took a long time and was very dangerous. Theodore Judah, who had discovered the route for the Transcontinental Railroad and pushed it through Congress, died while taking the trip at sea.
|
The Transcontinental Railroad made traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast faster, safer, and cheaper.
|
Communication
The Transcontinental Railroad improved communication between the coasts of the United States.
- The Transcontinental Railroad made communication much faster between the coasts in the United States.
- By improving travel and communication, the Transcontinental Railroad increased the flow of ideas, both political and social, back and forth across the country. This new flow of ideas improved American thinking.
- The Transcontinental Railroad connected many regions of the U.S. which improved national unity.