In the late 1800’s, the American railway system became a nationwide transportation network. The total distance of all railway lines in operation in the United States soared from about 14,500 kilometers in 1850 to almost 320,000 kilometers in 1900. A high point in railway development came in 1869, when workers laid tracks that joined the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways near Ogden, Utah. This event marked the completion of the world’s first transcontinental railway system. The system linked the United States by rail from coast to coast. ("History of the United States, …show more content…
Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and the Netherlands continued to colonize during this era, but they also devised other ways to spread their empires. In the late 19th century Japan and the United States joined the European nations as an imperialist power.
Name the areas of the world that the United States acquired as colonies in the latter part of the 1800's. Briefly describe how it came to pass that we desired to absorb them in the first place. Discuss if and when we let them gain their freedom to be independent nations.
• “Gadsden Purchase” In 1853, the United States purchased land along the Mexico–United States border in what is now New Mexico and Arizona. This territory was intended for a southern transcontinental