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Why Is The Railroad Important In The Civil War

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The development of the railroads was a giant leap forward in constructing America. The railroads allowed for easier transportation. The construction of railroads offered many a chance to work. Railroads were a big factor in the turnout of the Civil war. Without the development of railroads, America would not have become what it is today. The railroad played a huge part in the economy and in the war. Many people were able to build their lives because of how easy it was to move objects. Before the transcontinental railroad was made the way goods were transported was by sea around South America. The railroad stretched 2000 miles through the America compared to the 18,000 miles needed for ships to travel.(“Digital History”) With this shorter distance allowed for more people to be able to obtain goods. People on the east coast could sell their goods westward. Some goods would have been much harder to obtain and rather pricy, however with the railroad expansion these goods where cheaper and easier to get a …show more content…

Before the start of the Civil war there were just over 200 railroad systems built. (“The First General”) The railroad allowed for easy transportation for troops. The South was the first to realize the importance of the railroad during the war. Fights were often over major railroad points. One example of when the railroads were of use was after the Battle of Chickamauga, Ulysses S. Grant was able to get food and supplies to his troops.(“The First General”) The more railroad hubs caused for more transportation of goods. The increased speed of shipping over troops and goods allowed for the North to win the war.(“Effects of Railroads”) The increased travel speed meant faster resources. The North had the factories to construct more advanced trains giving them and advantage during the war.(“HowStuffWorks”) The war was decided through who controlled more of the railroad

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