Impact of Railroads and Industrialization

What was one way the Civil War helped boost industrialization in the United States?

• It led to the invention of the steam engine.

• It forced the introduction of a national currency and gave contracts to manufacturers.

• It encouraged farmers to move to cities for better wages.

• It established the first transcontinental railroad.

Which three factors are identified as key to America's economic growth after the Civil War?

• Agriculture, Education, and Innovation

• Geography, Demography, and Law

• Trade, Tariffs, and Transportation

• Immigration, Resources, and Government

Besides transporting goods and people, how did railroads significantly impact American society and economy?

• They led to the decline of major cities.

• They caused a decrease in national brands.

• They introduced standard time zones across the country.

• They primarily benefited small, local businesses.

What was a defining characteristic of the first modern corporations, such as railroad companies?

• They were small, family-owned businesses.

• They were primarily focused on local markets.

• They were publicly traded and required significant capital.

• They avoided government involvement and subsidies.

What was a common business practice used by powerful industrialists, sometimes called "robber barons," in the late 19th century?

• Always ensuring fair prices for consumers.

• Prioritizing the well-being and safety of their workers.

• Driving rival companies out of business to gain control.

• Investing heavily in community development and public services.

How did John D. Rockefeller achieve significant control over the U.S. oil industry?

• By inventing a new, more efficient way to extract oil.

• By forming a national union for oil workers.

• By buying out many competing oil companies.

• By receiving large government subsidies.

The Knights of Labor was an important labor union in the late 1800s. Which groups were allowed to join this union?

• Only skilled male workers.

• Only white male workers.

• Unskilled workers, African Americans, and women.

• Only business owners and managers.

What was a central idea of Social Darwinism, as applied to society and business?

• The government should actively help the poor and regulate businesses.

• Wealthy individuals had a duty to share their fortunes with the less fortunate.

• Successful businesses and wealthy people were "fitter" and deserved their position, while the poor had inherent flaws.

• Competition in business always leads to lower prices and better conditions for everyone.