How The Transcontinental Railroad Influenced America

The developments of railroads greatly influenced America. Since railroad was established. It has been a significant transportation to the Americans. The establishment of the transcontinental railroads brought America a social, economic and political change. It is a significant point in the US history. Railroad’s consistency and fast speed have replace the traditional ways of shipping and travelling. Transportation is always a thing that people concern. People care about its speed, safety, cost and consistency. Before the railroad, it took almost six months and cost $1000 to travel between California and New York. After the transcontinental railroad was completed, it cost $150 and took one week.(GTG technology) When people are not worried about food and other utilities, they are often satisfied in the 1900s. In the past, transportation is often used for two aspects: Communication and transport goods and people. The railroad system brought a easier way of communication to the Americans. In the 1800s, the United States Post Office realized the potential of using the railroad to not only transport mail, but also sort it along the route. Mailbags once untouched for days, were now opened and sorted as the train sped towards its destination.

Therefore, railroad has been brought in America. “The first trains began to run in America in the 1830s along the East Coast. By the 1840s, the nation's railway networks extended throughout the East, South, and Midwest, and the idea of building a railroad across the nation to the Pacific gained momentum.”(Brief History) The transcontinental impacted the lifestyle of people. It boosted the American economy and increases the satisfaction of people. A better transportation allowed business to grow faster, expand market and exchange ideas and possibilities of partnership.(GTG