Railroads in 19th Century: Catalyst for America's Development

The railroads that were built in the 19th century played a vital role in the development of the United States after the Civil War. A ginormous 192,556 miles of railroad track was laid down across the nation from coast to coast. It helped the economy blossom and allowed many people to easily transport themselves and products vast distances. There was also minor political and economical setbacks because of the railroad’s construction. The building of the railroad played a central role in America’s development through its transportation, economical and minor corruption it brought forth.
Further, the railroads helped progress America further in development through its significance in transportation. For example, in 1862, the Union Pacific Railroad

began building a railroad that spanned from Omaha, Nebraska landing in California eventually. People were able to live in rough plains and terrains they previously weren’t able to reach. On the opposite side in California, the Central Pacific Railroad was built eastward traversing across the rocky terrain of Nevada and further on. In 1869, this huge transcontinental railroad was completed spanning the nation’s length. These vast railroads and many others such as The Great Northern, Southern Pacific, Northern Pacific, and Atchison helped bring about fast paced industrialization. The West became civilized quickly too as people rushed to California for the agriculture and gold rush. Overall, the railroad brung the entire United States together through its importance in transportation pushing the nation forward.
In addition, the construction of the railroad benefited the economical state of the nation helping its development. Towns that had railroads running through it skyrocketed in value since many products and people passed through them daily. The companies that built the railroads became millionaires and entrepreneurs who made new technologies for trains benefited as well. One millionaire, Cornelius Vanderbilt financed many of the western railroads and some inventions that were innovated are the steel rail, Pullman Palace Cars, Westinghouse Air Brake, and telegraphs. A vast market of opportunities sprang forth and people were able to find jobs much easier. In all, the railroad help assist the nation in its progress by helping its economy.
Also, minor corruption was created from the building of the railroads that helped develop the nation. For example, the Credit Mobilier Scandal involved companies paying themselves a sum of $23,000,000 in extra profit through illegal kickbacks. People like Jay Gould embezzled stocks reaping in millions and stock watering, the act of over inflating stock prices, was common. Groups of people, known as cartels, formed working together to make huge profits. In response to this, the Interstate Commerce Act was passed, in 1887, banning cartels and unfair pricing. These scandals forced the American government to step into the railroad industry and try to moderate it. In summation, railroad scandals helped start a necessary regulation of the rail industry.
All in all, the magnificent railroad that was constructed in the 19th century brought unity and economical boom that was never seen before. Men worked endless hours to build the rails and it paid off tremendously as people could access areas that were previously unaccessible. Also, industrialization quickly occurred and minor setbacks helped push the nation along. The building of the railroad played a central role in America’s development through its transportation, economical and minor corruption it brought forth.