Q? To what extent is the following statement true: The building of the transcontinental railroad was a major factor in the creation of America's post-Civil War economic boom.

Large Extent True-The Railroads were the first big business. The first great financial markets in America were involved in creating the railroads. Railroad companies were the first to create large-scale management corporations. The transportation of other products also helped fuel the economy. The development of refrigerated boxcars helped the food industry too.

Small Extent True- While the Railroads did help create an early market in the United States, the post-Civil War economic boom would have taken place with or without the railroads. Much of the boom was caused by increases in production across the country. Other forms of technology, such as more efficient farming equipment was more important in the post-war United States economy.