1. The Impact of the Railroads
The need for a better system of transportation and communication, especially for the movement of goods, led to an expansion of the railroads.

2. Challenges of Building the Railroads
to raise the money to build the railroads.
faced conflicts with Native American tribes
Rough terrain proved an obstacle to building RR.

3. Irish Rail Workers
the Union Pacific Railroad workers - Irish immigrants
Catholics & poor so people looked down on them
R.R work provided them with an opportunity to earn a living.

4. Chinese Rail Workers
Central Pacific Railroad employed 10,000 Chinese workers.
CPR advertised in China promising good pay for steady work.
Chinese workers were paid less than the white workers

5. Danger for Rail Workers
1. Indian Attacks – killed railroad employees
2. Dangerous dynamite was used to blow through thick rock
3. Harsh cold and snows = dangerous conditions

6. Victory
Upon its completion the Transcontinental Railroad cut down the cross country travel time from…………………….
4 months Down to 10 Days

7. Great Plains: The passage of 2 federal laws encouraging settlement:
The Homestead Act: get 160 acres for a small registration fee (usually around $10) if you live on it and work it for 5 years
Morrill Land-Grant Act: gave states land to build agricultural collleges

8. Challenges of the Plains
housing was difficult to come by due to lumber shortages on the Plains so settlers had to improvise
The environment

9. Populism Populism led some to questions?
Should gov’t do more to promote opportunity for all?
This would require an expansion of gov’t!

10. Safari Montage
Story of Us: Heartland
Chapters 1,2,3