Many American historians would agree that one of the United States' greatest achievements in technological advancement during the nineteenth century was the completion of the transcontinental railroad. With the completion of this vast railroad, America became not only the youngest country, but also the first to build the transcontinental railroad, successfully connecting our country from “sea to shining sea.” While it was an amazing invention, the construction had both lasting negative and positive effects on minorities living in America. These minorities consisted of Chinese and Irish immigrants along with blacks and Native Americans, all influenced in some way by the United States' need to expand westward. In the early stages of this country, much of the West was occupied by Native Americans, many of whom had settled this land long before the “white man” appeared. Others emigrated after being removed from their lands by treaties and acts made by the United States government. After some of the first P...