1. Section 2 The Age of the Railroads
Chapter 6
Section 2
The Age of the Railroads

3. Focus Questions
How did the growth of the railroad industry benefit the nation?
What were the negatives of this dramatic growth?
How did the government help the railroad industry?
How did the government help the workers on the railroads?

4. Opportunities Growth of iron, coal, steel, lumber and glass industries
Growth of towns
Establish new markets
Chances to make $$$$$$

5. Pullman employee in the town of Pullman?
Lived in well built houses or apartments
Doctors’ offices, shops
However, Pullman strictly regulated behavior

6. Credit Mobilier
Stockholders in the Union Pacific Railroad created a construction company
They charged too much for the railroad construction
Paid themselves and government officials

7. Native American attacks Workers largely immigrants from China, Ireland
Workers Issues
Accidents
Diseases
Native American attacks
Workers largely immigrants from China, Ireland
Low wages

8. Farmers’ Issues
Used land grants to sell to businesses other than settlers
Fix prices
Charged different customers different prices where there was no alternative choices

9. The Government and the Courts get involved
Grangers push for railroad regulatory laws
1877 (Munn v. Illinois) States won the right to regulate for benefit of farmers and consumers
However,
1886 the Supreme Court rule that states can’t set rates on interstate commerce
1887 Interstate Commerce Act passed
Railroads continue to resist and willing to fight a long legal process
1897 Supreme Court rules that ICC can’t set maximum rates

10. “The Modern Colossus of Railroads”
All freight seeking the seaboard must pass here and pay any tolls we demand.