How did the transcontinental railroad affect the Chinese?
The Chinese laborers often did the most dangerous parts of the construction, including the dynamiting of mountain tunnels. Many men lost their lives constructing the transcontinental railroad; estimates range from 150 to 2,000. Most of these were Chinese Americans.
How did the Chinese workers benefit the railroad?
From 1863 and 1869, roughly 15,000 Chinese workers helped build the transcontinental railroad. They were paid less than American workers and lived in tents, while white workers were given accommodation in train cars.
What were the positive effects of the transcontinental railroad?
It had a positive effect of the economy as it helped facilitate trade between the east and west of the USA, and between the USA and Asia. Likewise, it encouraged the growth of the cattle industry. The railroad also made homestead life easier.
What were three positive effects of the transcontinental railroad?
Benefits such as space for crops, cattle and trading the unmanufactured crops and cattle to the east for manufactured goods through the railroad.
What was the most significant obstacle in building the Transcontinental Railroad?
While a shopkeeper by trade, Strong was known around the area as an expert on the terrain of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Judah needed someone who could function on land like a harbor pilot might on the water because the Sierra Nevada loomed as the greatest obstacle to building the transcontinental railroad.
Why was it important to build the transcontinental railroad?
There were both positive and negative reasons from building the transcontinental railroad. The positive effects of building the transcontinental railroad were creating jobs for poor citizens, development in the industries and economies, allowed more immigrants to come to the country, and provide access to jobs outside of the west.
How many Chinese worked on the transcontinental railroad?
When the Transcontinental Railroad was complete, Chinese laborers made up over 90 percent of Central Pacific’s workforce. Although working on the railroad was a risky job for all laborers, Chinese workers faced more challenges than their white counterparts did.
What was life like for Chinese workers on the railroad?
Although working on the railroad was a risky job for all laborers, Chinese workers faced more challenges than their white counterparts did. The Chinese were subject to suspicion and racial slurs from other workers.
How did people die on the transcontinental railroad?
At first railroad companies were reluctant to hire Chinese workers, but the immigrants soon proved to be vital. They toiled through back-breaking labor during both frigid winters and blazing summers. Hundreds died from explosions, landslides, accidents and disease.