Industrial Revolution Innovations

Cornelius Vanderbilt made a fortune in the railroad industry, ultimately controlling a large portion of the nation's railways.

Railroad pools were an agreement made by railroad owners to divide up business by region, aiming to reduce competition and maintain higher prices.

A system where larger railroad companies could offer deep discounts on shipping to select businesses, squeezing out smaller competitors and giving them an unfair advantage.

Cyrus Field was a key player in laying the first successful transatlantic cable, enabling faster communication over long distances.

The Transatlantic Cable connected the U.S. and Europe, allowing for much faster communication than via ships.

The transatlantic cable had a tremendous impact on communication between the U.S. and Europe. It made communication much faster and easier and played a crucial role in shaping international relations.

A person who gives their money to help others, often through charities.

A business strategy where a company controls every stage of production, from raw materials to finished product.

Andrew Carnegie was a businessman who revolutionized the steel industry, making it cheaper and more efficient. This led to the construction of skyscrapers, bridges, and improved railways.

Carnegie's business strategy involved controlling every step in the steel production process, from mining iron ore to selling finished steel products.

John D. Rockefeller dominated the oil industry through his company, Standard Oil. He created a monopoly, eliminating competition and controlling oil prices.

Rockefeller's Standard Oil became so powerful that it controlled almost all oil production in the U.S., effectively eliminating competition.

J.P. Morgan was a powerful banker who played a pivotal role in supporting businesses after the American Civil War. Banks provided loans and investments to help businesses grow.

A device invented by Alexander Graham Bell that allowed instant communication over long distances using electrical signals.

A device for converting electrical energy into light, invented by Thomas Edison in 1879.

A facility established by Thomas Edison in 1876 to develop new inventions and technologies.

A system of generating and distributing electricity, invented by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century.

A device that projects moving images onto a screen, invented by Thomas Edison in 1891.

A device that allows for the rapid production of written text using keys and a lever.

A specialized train car with refrigeration capabilities, invented by Gustavus Swift in the late 19th century.

A method of preserving meat and other food products by using refrigeration, pioneered by Gustavus Swift.

A process that hastened communication by allowing the rapid writing of letters, documents, and other texts.