Question

during the 1860s, the u.s. government helped create the first transcontinental railroad. this railroad connected the existing u.s. railroad system with the pacific coast. the government gave public land and loans to private companies to build the railroad. the railroad’s supporters hoped that it would expand the country’s economy and improve people’s lives in many ways.
imagine you are a government official who decides to support the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. sort the results of this decision below into costs and benefits.
the railroad will allow businesses to sell goods and services to people in many areas they cannot easily reach now. the u.s. government will have to loan or pay private companies millions of dollars. this money could have been put towards many other useful things, such as building regular roads or canals.
the railroad will greatly decrease the time it takes to move people and things across the country. the railroad will cut through native american lands, violating treaties signed by the united states and the people who lived there. these groups might respond by attacking workers and trying to block construction of the railroad.
natural resources will have to be destroyed in order to make room for the railroad and stations. these could have been used and enjoyed by future generations.

Explanation:

To determine costs and benefits, we analyze each statement:

• Benefits are positive outcomes:
• "The railroad will allow businesses to sell goods and services to people in many areas they cannot easily reach now." (Expands business reach, economic benefit)
• "The railroad will greatly decrease the time it takes to move people and things across the country." (Improves transportation efficiency, benefit)
• Costs are negative or resource - consuming outcomes:
• "The U.S. government will have to loan or pay private companies millions of dollars. This money could have been put towards many other useful things, such as building regular roads or canals." (Financial cost, opportunity cost)
• "The railroad will cut through Native American lands, violating treaties signed by the United States and the people who lived there. These groups might respond by attacking workers and trying to block construction of the railroad." (Violates treaties, potential conflict, cost)
• "Natural resources will have to be destroyed in order to make room for the railroad and stations. These could have been used and enjoyed by future generations." (Environmental/resource cost, opportunity cost for future)

Answer:

• Benefits:
• The railroad will allow businesses to sell goods and services to people in many areas they cannot easily reach now.
• The railroad will greatly decrease the time it takes to move people and things across the country.
• Costs:
• The U.S. government will have to loan or pay private companies millions of dollars. This money could have been put towards many other useful things, such as building regular roads or canals.
• The railroad will cut through Native American lands, violating treaties signed by the United States and the people who lived there. These groups might respond by attacking workers and trying to block construction of the railroad.
• Natural resources will have to be destroyed in order to make room for the railroad and stations. These could have been used and enjoyed by future generations.