The History of the Railroads - Research Paper Example

 The History of the Railroads The Roaring 1920’s brought fresh changes to American society that would serve as focal point for years to come. The new nation of America was not facing one but two revolutions. One was a social revolution and the other one was an industrial revolution. In essence, the 1900’s as the video states were a catalyst in which industrial revolution emerged. The push to move from a rural to an urban area in the 20th century was the hallmark of American economy. This was due to the fact of Adam Smith’s policy as well cited in his book The Wealth of the Nation. Smith’s theory that propagated dependence of individualism that oozed out of the nation at this time period. Capitalism is a spectacular form in which societies are created. Capitalism is based on market democracy in which consumer spending is a vital components towards driving the economy of supply and demand. One of the reasons why the American economy thrives is due to the spending ability of the middle class in this country. Compared to other nations, American families in contrast are able to afford more products in a grand scale than most countries around the globe. In essence, capitalism defined America. America’s obsession with Industrial began with Slater’s mills in which textiles became the primary market to produce. Although it may seem a new age, most workers were orphans or children who owed debt to the nation. The drive of capitalism for this country relied on many factors that included slavery, turned raw goods into products, factories, and the ability to produce such a drastic workforce. Jefferson understood and acknowledged this problem. He feared that the America could not be properly industrialized due to the fact that it would not attract workers. Hence, the need to build factories around villages became critical components towards the move to industrialize America. Moreover, the ability of the American leaders to explore the “wild west” catapulted the nation to expand and dramatically changed from an urban to a rural area. One of the most significant factors that contributed to the development expansion of the United States was the fertile land that was available in the South. The large plantations in the south gave the rise to slave labor was the fertile farmland in the Midwest enabled United States to accomplish several things. First of all, the invention of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin initiated the rise to slave labor in the rich land that extended beyond from Carolina to Texas, which expanded the United States border. The fertile land gave boosted the American economy, which contributed to development of United States. The south had to dramatically shift their economy to tobacco and cotton to agriculture. In the north, corn supply was enhanced along with the focus on producing textiles. Cities such as New York and Chicago became the top commerce cities that built its economic empire due to the industrial revolution. The creation of Erie Canal became the hallmark of water commerce that enabled America to lower shipping costs of raw goods from nation to nation. In midst of all this, Chicago became America’s fresh water supply and became a fur trading port for all entrepreneurs. With all these factors accumulating, the need to invent railroads became extremely crucial. The United States quest to become the “Steel giant” was pivotal for the development and the expansion of railroads. Railroads were the internet at this particular time period as it literally transformed the dynamic economic commerce of the nation. Building the first transcontinental railroad meant steel, a drastic labor force, expanding towards the West and cooperating with the natives. A key element that should not be focused that dramatically eased the way for capitalism is the fact that public infrastructure dominated the scene during this era. The systematic problem of moving raw materials around the nation was no doubt difficult to achieve. Hence, the development of creating train tracks was crucial towards creating an economy where goods can be moved domestically. A Work of Giants, written by Wesley A. Grisworld, elaborates to connect the relationship between capitalism and railroads. Grisworld in his work insists that entrepreneurs were relentless to succeed that established mutual relationship between investors and the railroad companies. Grisworld also portrays the constant lobbying that railroad companies had to conduct in order for financial support. Many people fail to understand the fact that these companies needed support of America itself. Many companies had to bribe newspapers and report to portray the companies lucrative visions into making a better America. As unfortunate it may seem, bribery and espionage dominated the scene as the senators and politicians were under the pockets of these companies and propagated for the cause. The earliest railroads were known as Wagonways, which were used by Germany during the 1550’s. The first railroads were built in order to accommodate the British locomotives. However, for America, a better innovation was needed as both Hamilton and Jefferson envisioned an American in which public infrastructure dominated the commerce scene. The American GDP continued to outperform other nations such as UK, France, and Germany. One of the main controversies regarding building railroads was the fact that they required massive capital expenditures. In addition, the advent of railroads continued to threaten the traditional logistics that was embedded in the practices of farmers and merchants. The merchants and farmers undoubtedly would lose much revenue if these locomotives stopped by their businesses and were not charged a service fee. In midst of this dilemma, the pushes for railroads continue to be spearheaded by George Rogers Traylor and Irene D. Neu. Cities such as New York, Chicago, and Baltimore took great interest in locomotives. However, Baltimore, the third largest city in America during this age, had not built a canal. Without a moment’s delay, the competition was initiated as the development of railroad could dramatically rigger the influence of commerce in many cities. As a result, the establishment of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad was the testament of the conquest of a new nation, ready to “flex its muscle” in its quest to flourish in the global economy. Thus, during the industrial era, iron had replaced wood perpetually. Moreover, the invention of the steam engine further facilitated the invention of the modern railroad. Samuel Homfray, was one of the earliest entrepreneurs to invest in the development of these steam-powered machines. His funding paid off as his train was able to loads about 10 tons of iron of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales to the bottom of the valley called Abercynnon. However, the father of the first locomotive engine was known as George Stephenson. Stephenson is credited for making the first locomotive train for Stockton and Darlington Railway line, a feat that was once again credit to the Englishman. Hired as an engineer, Stephenson continued to perfect the air of railroad making for his company. Even rails were mainly imported from England until the Civil War. The Americans were undoubtedly impressed by the new steam locomotives were impressed that railroads dropped as it drastically dropped the cost of shipping by carriage by 60-70%. Without a doubt, mass transportation made mass production made possible as factories were flooded by raw materials. The problems of creating the railroads was the fact that regulations needed to be implemented as companies found ways to exploit the current statutory system through monopolies. It was evident enough that the railroad infrastructure would appeal to everyone and eliminating competition along with increasing prices would be extremely lucrative. However, to their much dismay, new companies began to sprout. The South Carolina Canal and Rail-Road Company was formed in order to attract trade and commerce domestically. Although the first railroads were successful, the push to fund in modern ones failed due to lack of skilled operators, canal companies, and anger mounted by tavern owners. One cannot diminish the fact that many hotel owners whose business was being hurt as trains continue to expand. However, the greatest feat in the railroad industry was the transcontinental railroads. This was a combination of two railroads, the central pacific rail that started from the San Francisco bay and joined the Union Pacific. The hefty labor forces of Irish immigrants along with the Chinese gave a rise to the building of transcontinental railroad. Overall, the foundation of building railroads dramatically changed the nation. It allowed the American economy to sprout from the ashes. Innovations became a critical point at this stage as new inventions were created to make factories cost effective, efficient, and productive. Prosperity became the cry and the hallmark of the American dream itself. government The progressive movement mark the initiation of “big government” involvement in which reform became a critical aspect to address these sorts of issues. Social and economic change was not only necessary but vital towards the success of America itself. Therefore, the invention of railroads was also a transition to not only capitalism but also to the progressive moment. Works Cited The American railroad network, 1861-1890. 1. Illinois pbk. ed. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2003. Print. Griswold, Wesley S.. A work of giants; building the first transcontinental railroad.. [1st ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1962. Print. Read More