exoansion and immigration

Flashcards covering key aspects of the transcontinental railroad's construction, major events, and related immigration policies.

What significant act chartered the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad Companies in 1862?

The Pacific Railroad Act.

What was the primary goal of the Pacific Railroad Act?

To build a transcontinental railroad linking the United States from east to west.

On what date and where did the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads meet?

May 10, 1869, at Promontory, Utah.

What materials were used by the Central Pacific to blast through the Sierra Nevada?

Gunpowder and nitroglycerine.

What was the 'Golden Spike'?

The final spike driven to complete the transcontinental railroad, made of 17.6-karat gold.

Which groups were primarily employed as laborers by the Central Pacific Railroad?

Chinese immigrants.

What significant legislation was passed in 1882 that restricted Chinese immigration?

The Chinese Exclusion Act.

What did the Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907-08 aim to achieve?

To ease tensions between the U.S. and Japan regarding immigration, particularly by repealing school segregation laws.

How did Japanese immigrants primarily enter the U.S. despite restrictions?

Through arranged marriages known as