What was the political impact the Transcontinental Railroad had on the US?

Answer 1

There was a big Senate fight on the route it would take. Stephen Douglas and Henry Clay were at odds about the route. Douglas wanted it to go through Chicago and have that as the main hub. Clay wanted it in St. Louis. Both men spent a great deal of time using their power in the Senate over the route. Douglas won and it went to Chicago ( where it still is today). This resulted in Douglas gaining more power in the Senate and becoming more nationally known. It gave him the platform to run for President against Lincoln. Most of his power was invested in southern states and with the south, so had he won the office there may have not been a civil war, but the issue of slavery would not have been settle in the 1860's. At some point it was bound to have a resolution, but it would have been later and bloodier.