What led to a lack of available laborers for the transcontinental railroad?
There was a chronic labor shortage throughout the project. Because of this, many of the workers were immigrants, in particular Irish and Chinese or veterans of the Civil War.
What challenges did the US face when building the transcontinental railroad?
Each company faced unprecedented construction problems—mountains, severe weather, and the hostility of Native Americans. On May 10, 1869, in a ceremony at Promontory, Utah, the last rails were laid and the last spike driven.
What led to the development of the transcontinental railroad?
In 1865, after struggling with retaining workers due to the difficulty of the labor, Charles Crocker (who was in charge of construction for the Central Pacific) began hiring Chinese laborers. By that time, some 50,000 Chinese immigrants were living on the West Coast, many having arrived during the Gold Rush.
What was one of the reasons why it was so difficult for the Chinese to build a railroad through the Sierra Nevada mountains?
“Chinese received 30-50 percent lower wages than whites for the same job and they had to pay for their own food stuffs,” Chang says. “They also had the most difficult and dangerous work, including tunneling and the use of explosives. There is also evidence they faced physical abuse at times from some supervisors.
How did people travel before the transcontinental railroad?
Before the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, people traveled across the American West mainly by stagecoach. While railroads were available in the East, travel through the West was a slow, laborious process.
Why was the Central Pacific Railroad so hard to work for?
Most of the early workers were Irish immigrants. Railroad work was hard, and management was chaotic, leading to a high attrition rate. The Central Pacific management puzzled over how it could attract and retain a work force up to the enormous task.
Where did Chinese workers build the transcontinental railroad?
Chinese workers were an essential part of building the Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR), the western section of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States.
Who are the competitors for the transcontinental railroad?
Dreams of a Transcontinental Railroad. Two Competing Companies: The Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroad. Danger Ahead: Building the Transcontinental Railroad. Driving Toward The Last Spike. Impact on The United States.