American railroads were the Internet of the 19th century. The whole
country opened up. Industry exploded. Numerous fortunes were made,
lost, and sometimes made again. Railroads had a profound impact on
technology, business, politics, and culture. This reference guide
includes seven essays which provide historical overview and
detailed examinations of critical aspects of the railroads. Also
included are 15 in-depth biographies of persons who greatly
influenced the history of the rails; 23 primary documents that
illustrate the story with the participants' own words; 10 photos; a
timeline; and an annotated bibliography to aid further research.
This book is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in
this fascinating period of U.S. history. After a historical
overview that opens the book, railroad historian Augustus
Veenendaal explores the technology that made the railroads possible
and the innovations in financing that got them built. A chapter is
devoted to the Civil War, as the rails were used as a tool of war.
An in-depth look at the epic story of transcontinental railroad is
followed by an examination of the quest for monopolies. Finally a
summary chapter focuses on the economic impact of railroads in the
nineteenth century and beyond. Biographical portraits of figures
like Jay Gould, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and James J. Hill detail the
lives of industry movers and shakers. Excerpts from primary
documents ranging from Abraham Lincoln's legal defense of the
railroad industry to Charles Dickens' description of his railroad
trip through America, to a secret agreement between J. P. Morgan
and railroad tycoons to avoid competition provide first-hand
accounts of the events of the day.
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