The Transcontinental Railroad greatly impacted America. It connected the East to the West and made the world seem much smaller. This success gave way for more railroads to be made, multiple withing the span of just years! The acts and treaties along the way helped improve the land as this move Westward was taking place. People were also gaining more abstract feelings of hope and optimism. It effected everyone, everywhere, for good or bad, but has shaped how our world is today. The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad had a big effect on Native Americans. White settlers entering their land and disturbing them caused many disputes. The Transcontinental Railroad and new formed treaties basically forced the Indians onto reserves. They depended upon the buffalo herds for food and hides, and the number of buffalo were constantly decreasing. People traveling hunted them either for meat and left the …show more content…
Over two-thirds of the workers were Chinese Americans. Working conditions were hard and dangerous, and they risked a lot by performing the task of laying the tracks, making tunnels in mountains, etc. If we hadn't had the help of the Chinese Americans, we might not have had this advancement for many more years. The effect that the Transcontinental Railroad had on society as a whole could be considered successful or the opposite. We would not be as advanced as we are now if this had not come about. Not everyone agreed, and some had to be unwillingly removed from areas, which could cause some controversy when it comes to how successful the railroad really was. The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad brought out the selfishness and power hungriness of the white settlers, the endurance and dedication of the Chinese and African American people, and the defense the Indians had for what they thought was