The Chinese from California became the major source of labor for the transcontinental railroad in part because: a) most were forced into working for the railroads. b) they worked for lower wages than what whites would accept. c) most were experienced in railroad construction. d) they had no other employment prospects. e) their more well-established unions won the railroad contracts.

b) they worked for lower wages than what whites would accept.

Explanation:

Chinese in a large group immigrated to the United States during the California gold rush in 1849 until 1882. After the gold rush, Chinese immigrants work in different sectors as servants, agricultural laborers, and others on railroad construction in the West. The Chinese from California became labors for the transcontinental railroad by were willing to work for low wages to start a new life in America.

b) they worked for lower wages than what whites would accept.

Explanation:

The correct answer is

b) they worked for lower wages than what whites would accept.

California is undertaking the major project of transcontinental railroad between the continents for better communication. It requires huge labor force for the construction purpose.

The Chinese settled in California were engaged in the construction project of the transcontinental railroad. These Chinese laborers work for a lower wages as compared to the other workers at the site. Thus it is advantageous on the organisations' side to employ Chinese workers at the construction site at lower wages. Other laborers would work for higher wages as compared to the Chinese.

Thus Chinese labors were employed more as compared to other laborers. They became the major source of labor for the transcontinental railroad.

Thus the answer is

b) they worked for lower wages than what whites would accept.