2. Before RR: Subsistence Farming- farming to feed your family After RR: Commercial Farming- producing crops for sale By 1900’s goods could be shipped to anyplace in US from TX B/C of RR- COTTON was highest money crop

3. By late 1880’s Cotton very successful Sometimes bad crops though: Bad weather Boll Weevil- pest that destroyed 90% of cotton in 1849

4. Served as TX attorney general and Gov. Argued that some businesses (inc RR) not respecting TX law. Est. the Texas Railroad Commission This protected citizens from unfair practices by RR

5. Railroads Steel Plow Windmill Cotton Gin- Eli Whitney invented that separated seeds from cotton Robert Munger- took the Gin and perfected it by creating “system ginning” Now faster and cheaper

6. Cotton Production Promoted more manufacturing Helped w/ invention of better tech. Attracted immigrants to TX Contributed growth to towns and cities