HIST 2057 Chapter : The Closing Of The West
Document Summary
The closing of the west, 1865-1890, part i. State and territories: west going through political organization while south is going through reorganization, nebraska, oregon, washington, montana, n&s dakota, idaho, Wyoming, ok, ariz, new mexico: once they become organized into states, more likely to be beneficial legislation, more population/migration. In order for these states to grow and succeed economically they need development of transportation and industry. 3 major industries key to development of the west: railroad (most significant), cattle, farming/agriculture: risky to build railroads when it is unknown whether it will be sustainable, population is sparse and spread out. But government wanted to connect eastern and western railroads. Too much risk for private companies, needed to subsidize. The transcontinental railroad: pacific railroad bill (1862, 1864): basically funds the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Central pacific (credit and finance corp. ) were to come together and build the railroad. Bill needed to reduce risk for these companies.
