Which of the following statements best describes how the transcontinental railroad impacted American Indians? It allowed them to ship their goods more quickly to eastern markets.

It prevented them from engaging in their traditional way of life.

It decreased conflicts between settlers and American Indian groups.

It prevented them from engaging in their traditional way of life.

Explanation:

The railroad interrupted many of the traditional activities carried out by native Americans, mainly because it crossed through their lands. Not all groups were affected in the same way. For certain tribes, the railroad affected their ability to hunt buffalo; for others it impacted their trade networks. Some groups ended up seeking wage labor because they couldn't continue to carry out their usual agricultural practices. In any case, the transcontinental railroad had a mostly negative impact on the traditional way of life of most tribes.