Chapter 20 Industrial Growth 20-1 Railroads Spur Industry

How do railroads lead to tremendous industrial growth How do railroads lead to tremendous industrial growth? Write at least 3 lines…go!

A Network Of Rails Early RR lines were short and served local communities. Different lines used different gauges- or widths In 1886 RR’s adopted the North’s gauges. Once track was standardized the RR formed a network- or system of connected lines all across the country.

Different Gauges

New and Improved! 1864 George Westinghouse invented the air brake. Allowed engineer to stop all rail cars at once. Much Safer!

New and Improved! 1864 George Pullman invented the sleeping car. Eventually they added bathrooms and dining cars as well.

Stop and Think What was the significance of Railroad gauges being the same? List and explain 3 improvements made to trains during the late 1800s.

Cornelius Vanderbilt one of the most powerful and influential men in the RR business Used ruthless and cut throat tactics Built a RR Empire

Consolidation Brings Efficiency As RR companies grew they began to consolidate smaller companies Consolidate- combine One company would buy up competition

Eliminating the Competition Before long, there was actually too much track. RR’s were forced to grant rebates or discounts to the biggest customers. To end the cut throat competition they began pooling. pool- several RR companies agreed to divide up business in an area. The big companies even bribed the government.

Stop and Think Who was Cornelius Vanderbilt? What was he known for? Explain how people like Vanderbilt eliminated competition.

Homework Begin working on your graffiti art booklet! Remember graffiti booklets are due Thursday 11/20/14.