transcontinental railroad construction
Instruction: 1. illustration very simple
During the Civil War, the Transcontinental Railroad aimed to link the U.S. coasts. The Central Pacific Railroad started in Sacramento, CA, employing Chinese laborers, and the Union Pacific in Omaha, NE, with Irish immigrants, Civil War veterans, and freed slaves. Up to 20,000 Chinese workers joined, including 12-year-old Li Wei and his father, who faced discrimination with lower pay and no food or housing. The work was extremely dangerous, with rockslides, explosions, and avalanches, especially in the Sierra Nevada, where workers faced harsh winters and isolation.
Sadly, Li Wei’s father died in a rockslide. In 1867, Li Wei and many Chinese workers went on strike for better pay and conditions, but saw limited success. Tensions rose with Native American tribes, like the Cheyenne, who derailed a train near Plum Creek, NE, reflecting the challenges of westward expansion.
Despite these struggles, progress continued. On May 10, 1869, the railroad was completed at Promontory Summit, UT, marking a new era in American transportation. Afterward, Li Wei and others faced discrimination in finding work and often lived in isolated Chinatowns. On October 24, 1871, violence erupted in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, killing 19 Chinese, including Li Wei’s friend. In 1875, grieving, Li Wei returned to China.
The Transcontinental Railroad was transformative, yet costly for Chinese workers who made up most of the Central Pacific workforce. Facing discrimination and hazardous conditions, they were key to the railroad’s completion. Over 1,200 Chinese workers died, highlighting their sacrifice. Despite advancing U.S. infrastructure, they encountered ongoing hostility and laws against them. Their resilience underscores their overlooked role in shaping 19th-century America.
★★★★★8.3
