The First Transcontinental Railroad of 1869 in The Progressive Era

The aftermath of the Civil War spurred changes in the American society, which include industrialization, urbanization and immigration. These changes also influenced the composition of who lived in the United States, where they lived and what they did for a living. However, city living and factory work came with new social issues such as poverty. In the 1890s, a number of reformers began to push for remedies to these social problems. They were known as the Progressives. This period of reform which lasted through the 1920s has come to be known toady as the Progressive Era.

The Progressive Era, as aforementioned, was consequential of the many ills which the people in the American society preserved and sought to eradicate. The goals of the Progressives were to try to expose corruption or unsanitary factory practices, particular of folks such as journalists, photographers and writers. The progressive era was a period of social activism and political reforms in the United States that flourished from the 1890s to the 1920s. There were several major events in the progressive era which contributed as well as impacted the lives of the Americans during this period.

Major Features of the Progressive Era: the Construction of the Transcontinental Railroad 

The first Transcontinental Railroad of 1869 stands as one of the major events of the Progressive Era, an era characterized by widespread social, political, and economic transformations in the United States. This monumental achievement in transportation infrastructure marked a significant turning point in American history, facilitating unprecedented connectivity and fostering a spirit of progress and expansion. It is one of the major events of the Progressive era was the introduction of the first Transcontinental Railroad of 1869. Two Railroad companies called the Union Pacific Railroad and Central Pacific Railroad, were chosen for the first time transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. This made transcontinental Railroad possible for the first time and it had a huge impact on the West. It encouraged further settlement in the West as it made travelling easier and cheaper and it had a positive effect on the economy as it helped facilitate trade between the East and West of the United states of America and between the United states of America and Asia.

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was a remarkable feat that united the East and West coasts of the United States, creating a direct and efficient transportation link that spanned thousands of miles. It symbolized the nation's commitment to manifest destiny, the belief in the westward expansion and the forging of a unified country from coast to coast.

The project was a result of both public and private efforts, with the federal government providing financial support and incentives through the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862. This legislation authorized the construction of the railroad and granted land grants and loans to the participating companies, namely the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads.

The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad had far-reaching impacts on various aspects of American society. From an economic perspective, it revolutionized trade and commerce, opening up new markets and opportunities for businesses. It significantly reduced travel time and costs, enabling the efficient transportation of goods and resources across vast distances. This development fostered economic growth and integration, promoting industrialization and shaping the country's emerging capitalist system.

Moreover, the Transcontinental Railroad played a pivotal role in facilitating migration and settlement. It provided a means for people to travel to previously inaccessible regions, such as the American West, spurring population growth and demographic shifts. The railroad served as a catalyst for urbanization and the development of new towns and cities along its route, leading to the establishment of vibrant communities and cultural exchange.

Furthermore, the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad showcased remarkable engineering and technological advancements of the time. The project required the labor of thousands of workers, including immigrants, who faced immense challenges such as harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain, and the formidable task of laying tracks across vast stretches of land. The successful completion of this engineering marvel demonstrated the nation's ability to overcome obstacles through innovation, perseverance, and collaboration.

Conclusion

The progressive era started as a reform tradition that has since been present in the American society, monopolies were broken up due to violation of federal law. The progressive as they called themselves, worked to make American society a better and safer place to live in. One of the major events of the progressive era is the Transcontinental Railroad of 1869 represented a transformative moment in American history, embodying the spirit of progress and expansion that characterized the Progressive Era. It was a testament to the nation's commitment to connectivity, economic development, and manifest destiny. The effects of this monumental undertaking continue to resonate in the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the United States, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the nation's trajectory in the years to come.

Reference List

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• Weber, M. (2018). The Transcontinental Railroad: A Revolution in Transportation. Engineering and Technology History Wiki. [Online]. Available: https://ethw.org/Transcontinental_Railroad
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