Railroads and Land Grants History Quiz

The term "Iron Colt" was a nickname for the steam locomotive, signifying its power and strength.

The name "Iron Horse" was later given to the steam locomotive. It emphasizes the locomotive's unwavering strength and tireless nature.

The railroads were given the right to choose alternating sections of land along their routes.

The land grants were awarded in a pattern resembling a checkerboard, with alternate square miles being chosen.

The practice of allocating land in alternating sections along railroads is called Checkerboard fashion.

The act of selling a company for a much higher price than its actual worth.

Debt securities issued by a company to raise funds.

Taxes imposed on goods imported or exported.

Payments made by a company to its shareholders, often from profits.

A deceitful act or scheme intended to benefit someone financially.

The act of touching two objects together to complete an electrical circuit and send a message.

A method of communication that used wires and electricity to send messages quickly over long distances.

A system of wires and stations that allowed for the transmission of messages across the country.

The places that received the telegraphic messages sent from the touching of the objects.

Foreign investors provided more money to the United States after World War II than any nation had ever received before.

This influx of funds was crucial in helping the United States rebuild its economy after the war.

The large amount of foreign investment in the United States after World War II was due to a number of factors, including the country's economic stability and its potential for growth.

The post-war economic prosperity in the United States was largely fueled by foreign investment, which allowed for the expansion of businesses and industries.

This influx of foreign funds played a significant role in transforming the United States into a global economic superpower.

The availability of cheap transportation across the nation, coupled with a growing population eager to consume, created a huge market for new products.

The ability to produce large quantities of goods efficiently and affordably.

The success of a business depended on creating an appealing product, offering it at a competitive price, and effectively promoting it to consumers.

Cornelius Vanderbilt, known as "Commodore" Vanderbilt, was a prominent figure in the railroad industry. He played a crucial role in uniting various railroads and creating large-scale infrastructure, significantly shaping the development of the transportation sector.

A situation where someone benefits greatly from something, especially unexpectedly.

The process of extracting natural resources, in this case iron ore, using machines like steam shovels.

The "Great Northern" railroad, unlike many others, did not receive land grants. It was built without government assistance and relied on private investors for funding.

The strategy of receiving generous land grants from the government was a key factor in the success of many railroad projects.

Commodore Vanderbilt, known for his business acumen and railroad empire, was a key player in the development of the US transportation network during the 19th century.