How did the railroads pave the way for the expansion of industry in the West?

Moved goods and people quicker
railroads boosted the economy the same way as the internet: the idea of globalization. Making travel easier, products quicker to transport, and so on, it brought the country together. As the supply for medicine, food, and other products increased, the demand decreased; and so the economy was "boosted" by the speed and efficiency of railroad travel/shipments.