The Railroads and the Gilded Age

The railroads supported the military conquest of inland territories and displaced Native Americans, facilitating the westward expansion of the United States.

Speculation and government grants were instrumental in building the extensive railroad network in the western United States.

Between 1870 and 1900, the length of railway tracks in the United States doubled, and then nearly doubled again.

<p>Railroads were the first major industry in America, with their rapid expansion facilitated by credit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By 1900, the United States had over 193,000 miles of railway tracks, surpassing the combined total of Europe and Russia.</p> Signup and view all the answers