Factor 3- Railroads

Question 1

What caused Westward Expansion?

Answer 1

The developments of railroads caused westward expansion from 1865-1890

Question 2

What gave permission to build railroads?

Answer 2

Pacific Railroad Act (1862) gave permission to construct transcontinental railroads and the government provided land to build them

Question 3

When did the westward and eastward Pacifica meet?

Answer 3

The Westward Union Pacific and Eastwards Pacific met in Utah in 1869

Question 4

In the first year how many people moved westward?

Answer 4

In the first year of the railroads 15000 people were able to move westwards this increased to 12 million in 1875

Question 5

What does this evidence show?

Answer 5

The evidence shows the rapid rate of westward expansion was primarily down to the railroads as a means of travel

Question 6

Why is this factor more convincing than the Homestead Act factor?

Answer 6

Within 5 years of the Homestead Act, the number of relevant west settlers was 1/12 of that encouraged by railroad development