Answer :
Final answer:
The question references the growth of the railroad industry in the U.S., which expanded from 30,000 miles in 1860 to 193,000 miles by 1900. During this time, railroads became the nation's first "big business," accelerating the development of other industries and transforming the economy.
Explanation:
The question alludes to the explosive growth of the railroad industry in the United States from 1860 to 1900. During this period, the mileage of railroads increased significantly, facilitating the movement of people and goods across the nation. By the end of the Civil War, there were 30,000 miles of track, which expanded to over 193,000 miles by the close of the century. This unprecedented expansion served as the backbone for the nation's burgeoning industrial economy. Railroads such as the transcontinental line not only sped up travel and commerce but also stimulated growth in other industries like iron, wood, and coal.
Innovations in railroad technology, including car couplers and air brakes, allowed for safer and more efficient travel. The Pullman passenger cars, for example, enhanced the comfort of long-distance travel. These advancements contributed to a tripling of both goods transported and passenger numbers from 1877 to 1890. In essence, the railroad became America's first "big business" and reshaped economic and social life by making distant markets accessible, thus supporting urban growth and shaping the national economy.
