Impact of Railroads on Westward Expansion

In the late 19th century, particularly after the passage of the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, the expansion of railroads across the western territories transformed the American landscape and economy. The emergence of these railroads facilitated not only the migration of settlers but also the transportation of goods such as agricultural products and minerals. However, this rapid westward expansion had significant implications for Indigenous populations and the environment. As settlers moved into these newly acquired lands, conflicts arose, and the displacement of Native American tribes became a central issue of this period.