Railroads were significant in that they

helped for transportation and moving goods across the states

Railroads created a more interconnected society. Counties were able to more easily work together due to the decreased travel time. With the use of the steam engine, people were able to travel to distant locations much more quickly than if they were using only horse-powered transportation.

Explanation:

the california missions began in the late 18th century as an effort to convert native americans to catholicism and expand european territory. there were 21 missions in all, lasting from 1769 until about 1833.   the missions were built by the spanish starting in 1769 in order to “colonize” the territory of alta california. so the missions were important because they were the means of settling california. it also wanted to keep other european countries out of alta california. building settlements along the coast would them meet these goals. missionaries wanted to convert the indians to the roman catholic faith. california indians did much of the work to build missions.