USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Railroads became a major industry, stimulating other heavy industries such as iron and steel production. These advances in travel and transport helped drive settlement in the western regions of North America and were integral to the nation’s industrialization.

Detailed explanation-2: -Natural resources were moved by rail to manufacturing centers in the east. Copper and lead, mined in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah was shipped by rail to eastern factories.

Detailed explanation-3: -The invention of the railroad and the steam powered locomotive opened up a whole new world in transportation. Now trains could travel wherever tracks could be built. Transportation was no longer limited to rivers and canals.

Detailed explanation-4: -The railroad had major advantages over previous modes of transportation, being both flexible and dependable; they were not subject to winter ice as canals were, and were faster and more reliable than steamships. This was especially important when transporting agricultural products.