The Railroads Take the West
Westward Expansion
Train drawing
In the late 1800s, America's Western Frontier transformed significantly with the widespread expansion of railroads. This period marked a shift driven by the strategic use of rail networks, revolutionizing transportation and facilitating westward expansion.
Railroad Expansion:
Railroads, established before the Civil War, experienced a surge in late 1800s expansion.
Impact on Travel: Railroads, initially for shipping and local travel, played a vital role in rapidly settling the West by being significantly faster than the traditional covered wagon.
Government Incentives:
Recognizing the importance of railroads, the government prioritized their construction, offering land grants to incentivize westward expansion.
Free Land for Companies: Government-provided land grants meant free land for railroad companies, fostering a symbiotic relationship that accelerated western settlement.
Economic and Territorial Impacts:
Railroad expansion spurred economic growth, enhancing trade and connectivity.
Territorial Integration: Railroads served as a unifying force, integrating distant regions and shaping the socio-economic landscape of the United States during this transformative period.
What was a priority of the government to help westward expansion?
constructing dams
building bridges
developing railroads