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What were railroads built in response to?
President Cleveland ended the land dispute for railroads in 1887 by opening up all unclaimed public portions of the grants.
True
What railroad was commissioned by Congress in 1862 to build a transcontinental railroad?
Union Pacific Railroad
___ were forced to pick up rifles to fight the Indians who were defending their lands.
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Who were the chief financial backers of the railroad enterprise referred to as The Big Four?
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What was completed in 1869 that increased trade with Asia?
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Which railroad was completed in 1883 from Lake Superior to Puget Sound?
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What was the transcontinental railroad that ran from Topeka to California known as?
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What type of railroad ran from New Orleans to San Francisco, completed in 1884?
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Which railroad, completed in 1893, ran from Duluth to Seattle?
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Who is known as a railroad enterprise leader with significant influence?
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The steel rail was weaker than iron rails.
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What did railroads create during post-Civil War America?
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What was created on November 18, 1883, to avoid train wrecks due to unstandardized time?
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___ allowed railroad stock promoters to inflate their claims about assets and profitability.
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What type of agreements aimed to divide business and share profits among railroad companies?
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What Supreme Court case ruled that individual states had no power to regulate interstate commerce?
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What act, passed in 1887, prohibited rebates and pools?
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What commission was created by Congress to administer and enforce new railroad legislation?
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Who invented the electric light bulb in 1879?
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What engine type became the primary means of automobile propulsion?
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Who organized the Standard Oil Company in 1870?
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The Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 was effective in curbing monopolies.
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What major event highlighted the struggle of factory workers with wages?
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What did corporations compel workers to sign to join unions?
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What was created by Congress in 1894 to celebrate labor?
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Study Notes
Railroads and Their Impact
- Railroads expanded rapidly in response to the need for transportation, with the transcontinental railroads being costly and risky ventures.
- Congress began providing financial support for railroad construction, notably advancing money to two key companies in 1862.
Railroad Development
- The Union Pacific Railroad was commissioned by Congress in 1862 to build from Omaha, Nebraska.
- The Central Pacific Railroad was created at the California end, while additional transcontinental routes included the Northern Pacific, Atchison, Southern Pacific, and Great Northern railroads.
Labor and Working Conditions
- Workers on railroads, including many Irish immigrants, faced dangerous conditions and were often called to defend against Native American tribes.
- The workforce was diversified, with a significant proportion of labor from various immigrant groups facing harsh realities of labor exploitation.
Key Figures and Corporations
- The Big Four, comprising Leland Stanford and Collis P. Huntington, were influential financiers behind railroad construction.
- Cornelius Vanderbilt became a notable figure in railroads, expanding the enterprise and establishing a monopoly on transportation.
Industrial Advancements
- The introduction of steel rails and standardized gauge improved railroad safety and efficiency.
- The Bessemer Process revolutionized steel production, making it cheaper and more accessible.
Economic Effects
- The railroad industry significantly stimulated post-Civil War American industry, creating vast markets for raw materials and manufactured goods, leading to increased migration.
- The establishment of time zones in 1883 helped streamline scheduling and reduce accidents.
Regulatory Responses
- The Wabash Case established that individual states could not regulate interstate commerce, leading to the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887.
- The Act required transparency in railroad operations, eliminated discriminatory practices, and sought to regulate unfair trade practices.
Labor Movements and Strikes
- Strikes became common as workers protested for better pay and conditions, leading to the formation of labor unions.
- The National Labor Union and subsequently, the Knights of Labor aimed to unify workers and advocate for reforms.
Major Incidents and Reactions
- The Haymarket Square incident involved a bombing during a labor rally, resulting in public backlash against labor movements and the Knights of Labor.
- John P. Altgeld, Governor of Illinois, played a role in pardoning individuals involved in the Haymarket incident, illustrating the era's complex political landscape.
Rise of Industry Leaders
- Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller emerged as prominent industrialists, utilizing tactics like vertical and horizontal integration to control their industries.
- Carnegie's sale of his steel company created the United States Steel Corporation, marking a significant moment in American business history.
Societal Changes
- Industrialization transformed the socioeconomic landscape, with increased opportunities for women in the workforce due to new inventions.
- The rise of a wage-earning class characterized the shift in lifestyles as many became dependent on regular incomes.
Challenges for Southern Industry
- Southern industry faced barriers due to economic discrimination from Northern railroads and pricing systems that disadvantaged Southern markets.
- The agricultural sector experienced a slight boost with the invention of machine-made cigarettes, yet faced challenges in diversification.
Conclusion
- The industrial revolution led to significant economic growth, technological advancements, and labor movements, shaping modern America’s social and economic fabric.
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Description
Explore the rapid expansion of railroads in the United States, focusing on the transcontinental railroads and their significant role in American transportation. Learn about the labor conditions faced by workers, the key figures in railroad development, and the financial support provided by Congress during this transformative period in history.
