2nd Industrial Revolution Vocabulary Part One

Second Industrial Revolution A period of rapid growth in manufacturing and industry in the late 1800’s.

Pony Express A system of messengers that carried mail between relay stations on a route 2,000-miles long in 1860 and 1861.

Transcontinental Railroad A railroad system that crossed the continental United States; construction began in 1863.

Railroad Baron A powerful business leader who controlled a major railroad.

Standard Gague 4 feet 8.5 inches, the distance between rails agreed upon by all railroad companies.

Pool A group sharing in some activity, for example, among railroad barons who made secret agreements and set rates among themselves.

Rebate A discount or return of part of a payment.

Patent An exclusive right to make or sell an invention.

Consolidation The practice of combining different companies into one.

Bessemer Process A process developed in the 1850’s that led to faster, cheaper steel production.