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Essay / The construction of the transcontinental railroad and it...
Many American historians would agree that one of the United States' greatest achievements in technological advancement during the 19th century was the completion of the transcontinental railroad. With the completion of this vast railroad, America became not only the youngest but also the first country to build the transcontinental railroad, successfully connecting our country "from sea to shining sea." Although an extraordinary invention, this construction has had both lasting negative and positive effects on minorities living in America. These minorities consisted of Chinese and Irish immigrants as well as blacks and Native Americans, all of whom were affected in one way or another due to the United States' need to expand westward. In the early stages of this country, much of the west was occupied by Native Americans. who had settled on these lands long before the appearance of the “white man”. Others emigrated after being forced from their lands due to treaties and acts made by the U.S. government. After some of the first American P...