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How did the growth of the railroad industry impact the United States?

The railroad opened the way for the settlement of the West, provided new economic opportunities, stimulated the development of town and communities, and generally tied the country together.



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Railroads completely transformed the United States socially, politically, and economically during the Gilded Age. Literally the engine of the new industrialized economy, they facilitated the speedy transportation of raw materials and finished goods from coast to coast.

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In what ways did the railroads help the nation's economy grow? Expanded the transportation system, carried raw materials to factories and then took manufactured goods from factories to markets. Also expanded the areas where people could live and work.

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The Transcontinental Railroad allowed the spread of American culture and Christianity to Native territories. Manifest Destiny was officially completed and mandated in 1869, when the railroad was completed. The Railroad employed many minorities and Native Americans and allowed racial equality during the late 1800s.

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Railroads completely transformed the United States socially, politically, and economically during the Gilded Age. Literally the engine of the new industrialized economy, they facilitated the speedy transportation of raw materials and finished goods from coast to coast.

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By 1900, much of the nation's railroad system was in place. The railroad opened the way for the settlement of the West, provided new economic opportunities, stimulated the development of town and communities, and generally tied the country together.

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Efficient rail transportation demanded a more uniform time-keeping system. Rather than turning to the federal governments of the United States and Canada to create a North American system of time zones, the powerful railroad companies took it upon themselves to create a new time code system.

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One negative effect were building and running the railroads was difficult and dangerous work. More than 2,000 workers had died. Another 20,000 workers had been injured. A positive is railroads made long-distance travel a possibility for many Americans.

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