Effects of the Railroad

The transcontinental railroad which was finished in 1869 has affected many people whether it is positively or negatively. These people include settlers, Native Americans, and immigrants who mainly live in the central and western United States. The railroad is giving some jobs, taking away some people’s homes, and allowing more space for others.
This new railroad is great for immigrants because it is allowing the country to let more of them in. It also allows them to get jobs either out west or on the railroad itself. The Irish and Chinese were big on working with this cross country railroad.
Settlers are also happy about this railroad because it is allows them to get across the country out west quicker and safer. They used to have to take a train to Iowa, then take a boat across the Missouri River, and finally take stagecoaches the rest of the way. The time was cut in half with the railroad and then they were free to look for gold or new jobs.
The Native Americans were affected negatively by the railroad because it went right through their land, destroying their homes. Then, since the railroad allowed people to migrate away from the east coast some people settled near their land and killed their buffalo. Without the buffalo, the Native Americans struggle to survive because they used the buffalo for everything.
There were many effects on the people living or coming to the United States because of the transcontinental railroad. Native Americans were affected negatively and settles and immigrants were affected positively. Mixed emotions led to be a problem for some time to come.