Question

question 4 of 10

in order to build the transcontinental railroad, the railroad companies hired chinese immigrants because they were willing to:

a. learn the required skills.
b. pledge not to go on strike.
c. adopt american religious and cultural customs.
d. do the work that others refused to do.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of Chinese railroad workers

The Central Pacific Railroad hired thousands of Chinese immigrant laborers to build the western portion of the Transcontinental Railroad. These workers faced extremely hazardous conditions, lower wages than white workers, and grueling physical labor, particularly through the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Evaluate the given options

• A. learn the required skills: Many Chinese workers already possessed strong work ethics and quickly adapted, but this was not the primary reason they were targeted for hiring.
• B. pledge not to go on strike: Chinese workers did organize and strike for better wages and hours in 1867, so they did not make such a pledge.
• C. adopt American religious and cultural customs: Railroad companies did not require cultural assimilation as a condition of employment.
• D. do the work that others refused to do: Railroad companies hired Chinese immigrants because they were willing to take on highly dangerous, backbreaking labor (such as handling explosives and tunneling) that many white laborers refused to perform, often for less pay.

Answer:

• (A) learn the required skills.
• (B) pledge not to go on strike.
• (C) adopt American religious and cultural customs.
• (D) do the work that others refused to do. (Correct answer)