Chapter 19Politics and Progress

Intro to Modern Era in the U.S.1880/1890’s was a time of rapid growth and

expansion1888: Capitol building completed in Austin

Lawlessness still a problem in TXTexas Rangers used heavily

“Wild West”: people move westEntering an era of “progress…”-

“Progressive Era” …

Austin

Railroads and New Emerging TechnologyBefore 1900 most families traveled by wagon/ horse

& “buggy”Took 1 day to travel 20 miles/might only go to town 1-

2 times a yearDallas/Ft. Worth, Houston became Rail CentersBy 1884 most major cities had telephonesStreetcars/Trolley appeared in citiesAgriculture boomed …Industry Thrived …

Promontory Point – Utah 1869Two Key Rail Lines Meet to Service & Connect the West

Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads meet

The Famous Rail Company Lines that Met in Utah (Outside of SLC) Central Pacific RR Union Pacific RR

Chinese Immigrants from California

Irish Immigrants from the East Coast

Connection Point

The American Railroad is Expanding West!!!!

Eventually the U.S. Rail Lines

will Look like ThisOut West

Union Pacific RailroadWhat can you conclude about Texas from this map?

How does the expansion of railroads change

America?

Many communities paid railroads companies

to build lines through their towns-

Why do you think they did this?