how did railroads affect western settlement in the late 1800s? responses railroads provided construction jobs and then connected markets throughout the nation. railroads provided construction jobs and then connected markets throughout the nation. railroads transported most of the settlers to the west coast where they started farms. railroads transported most of the settlers to the west coast where they started farms. railroads had little effect on settlement because most work was done through unions. railroads had little effect on settlement because most work was done through unions. railroads contributed to the discovery of minerals that brought settlers west.