How did the discovery of gold in California prompt the debate for building a transcontinental railroad?

Connected with the East.

Explanation:

The building of the transcontinental railroad opened the American West to rapid development. The discovery of gold in California led to the expansion of the railroad because more people were eager to connect the place with the east. California was part of the west, for settlers it required to cross mountains, plains, rivers, Native Indians territories, and deserts which was risky and difficult. The settlers began to move westward across the United States with gradually building of a transcontinental railroad.

a.   it resulted in widespread unemployment.

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