1. The Transcontinental Railroad
Romance and Reality

2. Transcontinental Railroad
It connected the East to the new lands out West.
Took 7 years to build, and on May 10, 1869 the Union Pacific met the Central Pacific in Promontory, Utah, marked by a golden spike!

4. Romance Dreams of available land, adventure, and a fresh start!
Diverse regions would become one united nation!

5. Influence of Railroad
Industries and businesses were influenced by the railroad: iron, coal, steel, lumber, and glass.
Growth of towns, which led to trade and interdependence.
Standardized time zones

6. Reality Immigrant labor
Union Pacific – Irish labor, they faced Native American attacks, disease, etc.
Central Pacific – Chinese labor, they faced horrific weather, discrimination, and a mountainous terrain.

7. George M. Pullman
He built a factory for manufacturing RR cars in Illinois.
He built a town for his employees that included: health care, brick houses, and even an athletic field.
But, his workers were controlled – no alcohol, etc.
In 1894 Pullman cut their pay, but not their rent, which led to a strike.

9. Herman Melville Quote
“Hark! Here comes that old dragon again – that gigantic gadfly…snort! Puff! Scream! Great improvements of the age.” Melville fumed. “Who wants to travel so fast? My grandfather did not, and he was no fool.”

10. Journal
How do you feel about the advancements in technology? We no longer rely on the train, but so many other devices. Is all technology good? Why or why not? What devices could you not live without? (1/2 page minimum)

11. Assignment Industrialization timeline – Due Wed. @ end of class.
You may work with a partner.
30 points