The Transcontinental Railroad
The transcontinental railroad was constructed in the mid 19th century. The idea of its construction was conceived in 1840s. However, the railway line was completed in 1869. Known as great pacific railroad at the time, the project was initiated under the presidency of Abraham Lincoln and embedded on the pacific railway line act (Cooper, C, 2005). The construction of the railway line was an expensive affair for the American government. It was funded through government bonds and greatly relied on the donation of state owned land for construction. Although the railway line was fully joined on 10th May 1869, the official date of its completion was recorded as 6th November the same year. The railway line traversed almost the whole of American continent1.
The constructions of the railroad impacted greatly on America. This article therefore discusses the impact of the railway on the American economy and society in the late 19th century.
Impact of the Railway on the American Economy and Society
Engineering and Technological Advancement
The construction of the railway line contributed massively in the transition of engineering and engineering skills in America. It relied greatly on highly qualified and experienced engineers not only from America but also others were imported from china to aid in the construction. The construction used advanced technology and hence created a fertile ground for technological and engineering advancement in the American society (PBS- American experience).
Creation of employment
The transcontinental railroad construction was a complex and lengthy project which required a lot of workers ranging from engineers to manual laborers. It thus created employment opportunity to very many Americans and Chinese immigrants as well as the outsiders who were out sourced to offset the workers shortage2. Among the Chinese immigrants who were employed in the construction work. Majority were employed as track layers. In addition, the construction employed tunnel makers, explosive expatriates, bridges building engineers and manual laborers, black smiths, masons, telegrapher’s cooks and so on and so forth (Ambrose, 2000). The constructors needed services hence traders came forth to provide such. As a result a business platform was set.
Trade and Industrial Development
The railway line opened up America for industrial revolution due to the high demand for industrial products. In the first instance the railway construction required a steady supply of steel and other heavy metal3. This led to massive development of the steel industry in America and its environs. It also attracted huge number of other industries and aroused trade. This set a good pace for economic development in America (Bain, 1999).
Improved Transportation and Communication Systems
The railway line is seen as a major icon in the American transportation systems. Indeed it made a major leap in the transportation sector improvement. Being one of the transport landmark of its kind at the time, it was a major transport development in America bringing with it scores of benefits and efficiency. The traffic in the west was offset and provided a much safe faster and cheaper mode of transport for both people and cargo. This was a great improvement from the typically slow and life endangering stagecoaches. In addition, the railway line initiated the establishment of telegraph lines that provided a much faster and efficient mode of communication to the Americans (Bain, 1999). This also emboldened and hastened the civilization in the American society especially the Chinese immigrants. Built during the American civil war, the railway line also played a major role in the transportation of military troops and war equipment at the time4. In conclusion the transcontinental railway played significant role in the American economic development across virtually all sectors.
References
Ambrose E (2000) Nothing Like It in the World: Men Who Built the Intercontinental Railroad (1863-1869); Simon and Cluster.
Bain d (1999), Empire Express; Building the First Transcontinental Railroad. Viking Penguin.
Cooper Bruce C (2005) Riding the Transcontinental Railroad: Overland Travel on the Pacific Railroad (1865-1888). Polyglot Press; Philadelphia.
PBS America Experience-Transcontinental Railroad-Whitney Biography.
Endnotes
- Ambrose E (2000) Nothing Like It in the World: Men Who Built the Intercontinental Railroad (1863-1869); Simon and Cluster.
- Ambrose E (2000) Nothing Like It in the World: Men Who Built the Intercontinental Railroad (1863-1869); Simon and Cluster.
- Bain d (1999), Empire Express; Building the First Transcontinental Railroad. Viking Penguin
- Cooper Bruce C (2005) Riding the Transcontinental Railroad: Overland Travel on the Pacific Railroad (1865-1888). Polyglot Press; Philadelphia.