In this activity, students watch a short clip from the ASHP documentary 1877: The Grand Army of Starvationto learn about the impact of railroad expansion on Americans and the nation as a whole. After watching the clip, students complete the “Technological Turning Points and their Impact” worksheet in order to examine the positive and negative effects of the railroad.

Objects can lead you to some interesting stories. Read and see where and how this toy-like locomotive was used. Cursor down to locate this information.

A great resource from the National Museum of American History that shows various modes and uses of transportation in the 19th and 20th centuries.

This resource provides information about train engineers and operatiors. Topics covered includes: nature or work, working conditions, employment, training, other qualifications, and advancement, job outlook and earning potential.

In this lesson unit, students examine how Texans altered the environment in order to construct railroads, and the impact of those changes, both positive and negative. They then complete a project where they develop a plan for a railroad or analyze completed routes, and explain the consequences of building the railroad along each route.

Learn details about the 1885 Rock Springs Massacre of immigrant Chinese miners by white immigrant miners. Included is a link to the full documentary and classroom discussion questions. Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class. [4:40]

This website from the Fordham University provides information about the expansion of the rail system in European countries between 1840 and 1900. Presents graphs to present the information.

The first three pages of this extensive essay on the railroad in United States history focuses on the early railroad and the Industrial Revolution in the United States.

[Free Registration/Login Required] This lesson plan seeks to discover the impact George Pullman had, not only on the railroad industry, but also on American life, by improving rail travel, and also establishing a company town for his workers. All the materials necessary for the lesson are provided by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Getting food from farms to markets is dependent on many forms of transportation, and involves careers related to logistics, infrastructure, commodity trading, and engineering. Students learn about the variety of careers and the challenges of moving soybeans from Ohio to international destinations. This unit features 4 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Trade in agricultural products is big business. In Ohio nearly 50% of soybeans are exported. In this unt, students learn about the customers for Ohio’s ag products and how these goods are traded. This unit features 3 lessons and 4 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

This last section of an extensive essay about the railroad in United States history discusses the role of the railroad in the 20th century.

In this activity, students read a series of primary source documents, including the 1872 print "American Progress," that depict the social, political and cultural conflicts between settlers and Native Americans during the 19th century. Then, working in small groups, students will consider the events from the perspective of Native Americans, and create an illustration to counter George A. Crofutt's famous print of "American Progress" moving across the Great Plains.

In this activity, students are guided through a close reading of The Journal of Sean Sullivan: A Transcontinental Railroad Worker, a fictional book for young readers based on historical sources. Students will read a short excerpt from the beginning of the book and determine the meaning of key words. Working in groups, students will then read excerpts related to one of the following themes: working conditions of railroad builders; tension between immigrant groups; corruption of the railroad companies; conflict with Great Plains Indian tribes; and boomtowns. They will also complete an individual writing task on their theme. Finally, students will consider the positive and negative effects of the railroad on the country as a whole, as well as on specific groups of Americans.

U.S. History is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of most introductory courses. The text provides a balanced approach to U.S. history, considering the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States from both the top down (politics, economics, diplomacy) and bottom up (eyewitness accounts, lived experience). U.S. History covers key forces that form the American experience, with particular attention to issues of race, class, and gender.Senior Contributing AuthorsP. Scott Corbett, Ventura CollegeVolker Janssen, California State University, FullertonJohn M. Lund, Keene State CollegeTodd Pfannestiel, Clarion UniversityPaul Vickery, Oral Roberts UniversitySylvie Waskiewicz

Canals, railroads, steamboats, telegraphs! Kim talks about the transportation and communication revolutions of the early 19th century and how they changed American business. [10:24]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

U.S. History is designed for a two-semester American history sequence. It is traditional in coverage, following a roughly chronological outline, and using a balanced approach that includes political, economic, social, and cultural developments. At the same time, the book includes a number of innovative and interactive features designed to enhance student learning. Instructors can also customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom.