The Industrial Revolution and Railroads

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Questions and Answers

Who controlled the largest railroad empire in the United States during the industrial growth period?

Cornelius Vanderbilt (correct)

Thomas Edison

Andrew Carnegie

J.P. Morgan

What was the purpose of the Sherman Antitrust Act?

To ban trusts and monopolies (correct)

To provide workers' rights

To regulate railroad rates

To promote the growth of monopolies

What social benefits did Germany provide in the mid-1880s?

Universal voting rights

Public housing initiatives

Sickness, accident, and old age insurance (correct)

Free education for all

Which event did NOT occur during the years of industrial growth from 1865 to 1914?

The founding of the United Nations Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the rise of organized labor during this period?

Increase in strikes and protests Signup and view all the answers

Which U.S. President was in office during the passing of the Sherman Antitrust Act?

Grover Cleveland Signup and view all the answers

What major advancement in steel production occurred in the 1850s?

The discovery of the Bessemer process. Signup and view all the answers

How did the growth of railroads influence the steel industry?

It increased the demand for stronger steel rails. Signup and view all the answers

What was one characteristic of the new breed of American business leaders in the late 1800s?

They displayed a mix of imagination and ruthlessness. Signup and view all the answers

What was one challenge associated with making steel before the Bessemer process?

Steel was costly and difficult to manufacture. Signup and view all the answers

What notable feature characterized the rivers in Pittsburgh as described by Trevelyan?

The Monongahela flowed as a slow yellow stream. Signup and view all the answers

Which process was developed by both William Kelly and Henry Bessemer?

The Bessemer process. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Carnegie advocate for among the wealthy?

The obligation to assist the poor Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons small factories closed in the late 1800s?

They could not compete with cheaper goods produced by large factories Signup and view all the answers

How could corporations raise capital for investment?

By selling stock to investors Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant role of the board of directors in a corporation?

To protect the corporation's assets and make investment decisions Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor that contributed to Carnegie becoming a millionaire?

Connections with influential railroad executives Signup and view all the answers

What did stockholders hope to receive in return for their investments in a corporation?

Dividends from the corporation's profits Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement significantly aided the distribution of goods in the late 1800s?

The expansion of the railroad system Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of forming a corporation during the industrial expansion?

To gather needed investments for growth Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the railroad boom after the Civil War?

It centralized power among a few railroad owners. Signup and view all the answers

Which technological advancement did Henry Ford introduce to automobile manufacturing?

The assembly line Signup and view all the answers

What event is associated with Orville Wright?

First airplane flight Signup and view all the answers

What was a common strategy used by railroad executives to eliminate competition?

Offering rebates Signup and view all the answers

How did the railroad network contribute to the American economy?

By facilitating trade and commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant outcomes of powerful railroad owners?

Influence over political decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which political event happened in Britain around the time of the railroad boom?

Foundation of the Labour party. Signup and view all the answers

What was William Vanderbilt known for?

Making money from railroads. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did the McCormick Company employ to deal with striking workers?

They hired strikebreakers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the clash between workers and strikebreakers on May 3, 1886?

Four workers were killed by police. Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred the day after the violence at the McCormick Company?

A protest was held at Haymarket Square. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the rally at Haymarket Square?

Anarchists Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the Haymarket Riot?

A bomb exploded, killing seven police officers. Signup and view all the answers

How did the public react to the Haymarket Riot?

A wave of anti-labor sentiment swept the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the eight anarchists arrested following the Haymarket Riot?

They were tried, convicted, and four were hanged. Signup and view all the answers

What was an effect of the McCormick Company's strike and the Haymarket Riot on labor movements?

It caused a decline in support for labor unions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Railroads Spur Industry

Railroad construction spurred the growth of the steel industry after the Civil War.
Iron rails were used initially, but were prone to wear and tear, thus, railroad owners sought a more durable and rust-resistant option.
The Bessemer process was a new method developed for making steel cheaper and stronger.

The Rise of Big Business

The railroad boom led to large factories replacing smaller ones.
Railroads facilitated distribution of goods to broader markets.
Corporations, owned by investors, emerged to raise capital for expansion.
Corporations sold stocks to invest in new factories, machines, raw materials, workers’ wages, shipping, and advertising.
Stockholders received dividends, based on a corporation’s profit, to compensate for their investment.
Corporations were run by boards of directors elected by stockholders to protect their interests.

Inventions Change the Nation

Steel production increased drastically.
The Bessemer process transformed the steel industry by enabling mass production of stronger steel at lower costs.
Andrew Carnegie’s steel company produced more steel than all of Britain.
Henry Ford introduced the assembly line production method.
The automobile industry rapidly grew.

The Rise of Organized Labor

Early labor unions struggled to improve workers’ conditions, including low wages and dangerous working conditions.
The Knights of Labor was one of the first industrial unions advocating for a shorter workday, equal pay, and worker ownership of factories.
The McCormick Harvester Company in Chicago used strikebreakers, temporary replacements for striking workers, to maintain production.
The Haymarket Riot occurred in Chicago on May 3, 1886.
Four workers were killed by police during a clash that took place during a strike.
The next day, a rally organized by anarchists was held to protest the killings at Haymarket square.
A bomb exploded during the rally, killing seven police officers and leading to a wave of antilabor sentiment across the nation.
Eight anarchists were arrested without conclusive evidence, and four were executed.

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Description

Exploring the impact of railroads on industrial growth post-Civil War, this quiz covers key developments in the steel industry, the rise of large corporations, and the transformation brought by technological advancements. Test your knowledge on how these factors shaped the American economy during this pivotal era.