ECONOMICS
ECONOMIC GROWTH
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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They would work for low wages.
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They had adapted to the harsh climate they would be working in.
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They were especially skilled in explosive devices.
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None of the above
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Detailed explanation-1: -During the 19th century, more than 2.5 million Chinese citizens left their country and were hired in 1864 after a labor shortage threatened the railroad’s completion. The work was tiresome, as the railroad was built entirely by manual laborers who used to shovel 20 pounds of rock over 400 times a day.
Detailed explanation-2: -Despite this, over 150, 000 fought in the Civil War (1861–1865) and 8, 000-10, 000 labored on the transcontinental railroad. Seeking a better life, the Irish offered theirs skills and their strength, serving as engineers, managers, masons and laborers on both the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific railroads.
Detailed explanation-3: -Teachers should understand that most of the people who worked to build the transcontinental railroad were immigrants from China and Ireland. These immigrants faced discrimination in the U.S., but their labor made this national achievement possible.
Detailed explanation-4: -Chinese workers were paid less than white laborers. They were also given the most dangerous jobs and longer working hours. However, Chinese workers could earn much more money working for the railroads than in China. Chinese immigrants continued to come to America between the years of 1849 and 1882.