How did the building of the transcontinental railway benefit the country?

I know that First Nations were kicked off their farmland to make way for the building of the railway and for settlers(why would settlers need the land?). Why was the railway so important and does it some what justify the poor treatment of First Nations? I want to say something like, the treatment of them was cruel(would there have been a better way to treat them?) but without this treatment the railway would have never been built and the US would have never emerged etc. Any other positive reasons? I am writing a long paragraph response to the question.

Thanks in advance!

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/11/137497772/how-trains-railroaded-the-american-economy

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ist/?next=/history/where-the-buffalo-no-longer-roamed-3067904/

Read these, then go to:

http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=transcontinental%20railroad

You'll find more pros and cons there.

Ok thank you! I just finished my essay, but I will take a look and maybe add some on to what I have now. I would post it here for you to proofread, but I don't wish to publish my work online.

Hallie is trying to win the grand prize on a game show. Should she try her luck by spinning a wheel with 6 equal sections labeled from 1 to 6 and hope she gets a 5, or should she roll two number cubes and hope she gets the same number on both cubes? Explain

Hallie is trying to win the grand prize on a game show. Should she try her luck by spinning a wheel with 6 equal sections labeled from 1 to 6 and hope she gets a 5, or should she roll two number cubes and hope she gets the same number on both cubes? Explain

Hallie is trying to win the grand prize on a game show. Should she try her luck by spinning a wheel with 6 equal sections labeled from 1 to 6 and hope she gets a 5, or should she roll two number cubes and hope she gets the same number on both cubes? Explain

The building of the transcontinental railway in the United States brought about several benefits for the country. One of the primary advantages was the significant improvement in transportation and communication. Before the railway, travel across the country was slow and difficult, but with the railway, it became faster, more efficient, and more reliable. This facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas, fostering economic growth and national integration.

The railway also played a crucial role in the expansion of settlement in the western territories. Settlers needed land for agricultural purposes and establishing communities, and the railway provided access to these previously remote regions. The displacement of First Nations peoples from their farmland to make way for settlers and the railway was indeed an injustice, as it disrupted their livelihoods and cultural heritage. It is important to acknowledge and condemn this mistreatment.

However, it is necessary to consider the historical context and the prevailing attitudes of the time. The construction of the railway was regarded as crucial for the economic development and nation-building efforts of the United States. While there might have been alternative approaches to treat First Nations peoples more fairly, it is unfortunately a reality that the mistreatment and displacement occurred. This is why it is crucial to learn from history and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

Aside from these points, the transcontinental railway also had numerous positive impacts. It facilitated the growth of industries such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing by providing a reliable transportation network for raw materials and finished products. It stimulated trade and commerce, connecting the eastern and western markets, and boosting economic development. The railway also played a significant role in the settlement of the western territories, contributing to the growth and expansion of cities and towns.

In conclusion, while the building of the transcontinental railway brought about significant benefits for the United States, it is important to acknowledge the unjust treatment of First Nations peoples during this process. Overlooking or justifying this mistreatment would be morally and ethically wrong. By recognizing this historical injustice and aiming for a more inclusive future, we honor the positive aspects of the railway's impact while seeking to rectify past injustices.