What impact did the railroad have on American society?

Answer 1

Inland transportation by canals and steamboats were limited to waterways such as rivers and the canals that connected rivers or connected a lake to another lake or river. Of course, transportation from one ocean port to another one was also available, but it took extra time and was affected greatly by weather conditions.

The vast inland network of railways was begun in earnest in the early part of the 18th Century. Railroad tracks could be built almost anywhere and tunnels and bridges let trains have great access to anywhere in the USA.

One huge hindrance to transportation from the US east coast to the US west coast was the time it took to sail around South America. Storms took their toll and the time was immense.

On May 10th of 1869, everything about coast to coast transportation changed. This was the day that railroad tracks from the east and the west joined together creating the Trans Continental railway.

This not only enabled people to travel coast to coast but the first benefit was time and money. Here is an example:

Transporting mail from New York City to San Francisco by stage coach or Pony Express cost $1,100 per mile. By railroad the cost was crushed to $200 per mile.

This was a staggering difference.

The same type savings would also benefit to private citizens, military personnel,

crops, livestock and precious metals. By the 1880's the USA had nearly one third of the world's railway systems.

The impact was clear and almost immediate.

Answer 2

The railroads brought dreams of available land, adventure, and a fresh start for Americans.

Answer 3

Canals and riverboats can only use waterways, but railroads can travel across country. The railroad linked the west coast to the east coast creating a means for people and goods to connect.