USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Aided by federal land grants, there was a great deal of railroad construction after the Civil War, especially in the West. Trackage increased from 35, 000 miles in 1865 to 254, 000 miles in 1916, the eve of America’s entry into World War I.

Detailed explanation-2: -The railroad opened the way for the settlement of the West, provided new economic opportunities, stimulated the development of town and communities, and generally tied the country together.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Railroads created a more interconnected society. Counties were able to more easily work together due to the decreased travel time. With the use of the steam engine, people were able to travel to distant locations much more quickly than if they were using only horse-powered transportation.

Detailed explanation-5: -Not only did the railroads transport raw materials used in industrial production, such as coal and iron ore, the railroads were also one of the largest consumers of raw materials in their own right. The growth of railroads thus led to growth in other industries, such as timber and coal.