1. How did the transcontinental railroad affect the U.S.?

2. In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed, which opened up new economic markets in the western U.S.

3. The transcontinental railroad contributed to the industrial growth of the U.S. by making the movement of goods easier and cheaper . . .

5. . . . and also helped the U.S. fulfill manifest destiny by encouraging western settlement.

7. The U.S. government aided the development of the transcontinental railroad by providing free land for railroad construction.

9. By the late 1800s, farmers depended on railroads to transport farm crops.

10. Farmers found that earning a living was increasingly difficult because railroad companies charged high rates for transporting farm crops . . .

11. . . . and wanted the U.S. government to regulate railroads.

12. As a result, many farmers joined the Grange, an organization that tried to help farmers by forcing railroads to lower their rates.