How Did The Transcontinental Railroad Affect Western Expansion In The United States?

Thesis: The transcontinental railroad greatly increased Westward expansion in the United States of America during the latter half of the nineteenth century. The history of the United States has been influenced by England in many ways. In the second half of the 1800's, the railroad, which was invented in England, had a major effect on Western expansion in the United States. 'Railroads were born in England, a country with dense populations, short distances between cities, …

…by the railroad, the interior was being conquered and domesticated.' (Cooke 240) Bibliography Cooke, Alistair. Alistair Cooke's America. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1977. Douglas, George H. All Aboard! The Railroad In American Life. New York: Paragon House, 1992. Horn, Huston. The Old West The Pioneers. New York: Time-Life Books, 1974. Merk, Frederick. History of the Westward Movement. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1978. 'Railroad.' Compton's Encyclopedia. 1990 edition. 'United States of America.' The New Encyclop'dia Britannica. 1990 edition.