The Role of Chinese Workers in the Construction of the Transcontinental Railroad
Who supplied the labor in the construction of the California section of the transcontinental railroad?
A. Native Americans
B. Irish immigrants
C. Chinese workers
D. European immigrants
What challenges did the Chinese workers face during the construction of the railroad?
A. Unequal pay
B. Harsh working conditions
C. Lack of proper accommodation
D. Discrimination from other workers
Answer:
In the construction of the California section of the Transcontinental Railroad, the main workforce was provided by Chinese immigrants. The challenges faced by these workers included harsh working conditions and discrimination from other workers.
The construction of the California section of the Transcontinental Railroad relied heavily on the labor of Chinese workers. The Central Pacific Railroad (CPRR) company initially hired fifty Cantonese workers in February 1865 to test their capabilities. As the project progressed, more and more Chinese workers were recruited to work on the railroad.
Despite playing a significant role in the construction, Chinese workers faced numerous challenges. The working conditions were harsh, with long hours and dangerous tasks. Additionally, despite being paid the same as their white American counterparts, Chinese workers often did not receive proper accommodation or food.
By 1868, the workforce on the California section of the railway consisted of 12,000 Chinese workers, making up 80% of the total workforce. Their contributions were essential in completing this monumental project that connected the east and west coasts of the United States.