Glasnost in English is

Openness
The literal translation of glasnost is openness. However, the word refers to one of the final attempts to salvage the broken Soviet Union. The initiative aimed to open up the stale regime to new systems and practices in the hope that it would reinvigorate the decrepit Communist state.

The transcontinental railroad provided a means of fast transportation. it cut a 6 month trip into 6 days, created jobs for many people and encouraged immigration. the homestead act played a huge role in western expansion; it allowed settlers to begin a fresh start, and gave them land in exchange for their residence for up to five years and a small fee.