Westward Expansion: Economic Development (College Board AP® US History): Flashcards
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How did the mechanical reaper change farming?
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Cards in this collection (21)
How did the mechanical reaper change farming?
The mechanical reaper increased the efficiency of harvesting crops.
Define combine harvester.
A combine harvester was a machine that combined reaping, threshing, and winnowing into a single process.
How did the gasoline tractor change farming?
The gasoline tractor provided more power and reduced the labor needed for farming.
True or False?
Mechanization led to lower crop yields.
False.
Mechanization brought higher productivity and significant increases in crop yields.
Why did large-scale commercial farms rise?
Wealthier farmers invested in machinery and came to dominate agricultural production.
Why did small farms decline?
Small farmers could not afford the new machinery.
How did falling agricultural prices affect consumers and farmers?
Lower prices were good for consumers, but farmers' earnings fell, making it harder to sustain their livelihoods.
Farmers' profits fell further because charged high rates to transport agricultural products.
Farmers' profits fell further because railroads charged high rates to transport agricultural products.
Define National Grange Movement.
The National Grange Movement was a farmers' movement that gave farmers a greater voice in opposing the railroads.
Define Granger Laws.
The Granger Laws were a series of laws that set railroad freight rates at reasonable amounts.
What did the Interstate Commerce Commission do?
The Interstate Commerce Commission regulated the actions of railroads and ensured fair rates.
What did the Pacific Railway Act (1862) authorize?
The Pacific Railway Act authorized the construction of a transcontinental railroad.
Why did the federal government support a transcontinental railroad?
It aimed to create a direct connection across the country to stimulate economic growth.
How did the federal government encourage railroad companies to build the transcontinental railroad?
It gave financial assistance in the form of funds and land grants.
Where did the Union Pacific Railroad start building?
The Union Pacific Railroad started building at Omaha, Nebraska, and worked westward.
True or False?
The Central Pacific Railroad built westward from Omaha, Nebraska.
False.
The Central Pacific Railroad started at Sacramento, California, and built eastward. The Union Pacific built westward from Omaha.
Who made up the Central Pacific Railroad's workforce?
The Central Pacific Railroad's workforce was made up of immigrants from China, who faced harsh working conditions and discrimination.
Who made up the Union Pacific workforce?
The Union Pacific workforce was made up of Irish, German, and Italian immigrants.
The two railroads met at Promontory Summit, Utah, in May .
The two railroads met at Promontory Summit, Utah, in May 1869.
What symbolized the completion of the transcontinental railroad?
A golden spike symbolized the completion of the transcontinental railroad.
What was the long-term significance of the transcontinental railroad?
It set a precedent for future infrastructure, and more transcontinental railroads followed, boosting connectivity and national economic growth.
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