Railroads and their Effects on American Society 1840-1890

Greg Balliet’s article “Railroads and Their Impacts on American Society 1840-1890”

Greg Balliet’s article “Railroads and Their Impacts on American Society 1840-1890” explores the developments that occurred in the railroad industry between 1840 and 1890 and how they affected the culture, destiny, and overall society of America. During that time, many people, especially businessmen, saw the railroad sector as a means to manifest their destiny if they pursued it (Balliet, 2013). Railroads rose to prominence in the late nineteenth century as a result of mechanization and technology, and as the industry progressed, employment were produced for the American people. The projects were funded by the government as well as individuals, and entrepreneurs were encouraged to embrace it as a means to improve the economy.

Changes that Occurred

Due to the relationship between the government and the railroad corporations, corruption started to kick in. This did not in any way prevent the government from supporting the entities as it aimed at the future benefits the railroad industry would bring to the society. With the government granting more than 130 million acres to the industry, it was at the verge of transforming transportation in America (Balliet, 2013). The American economy which was burgeoning at the time of crumbly post-bellum, was greatly bolstered by railroads, not forgetting the relationship it received from the environment. Minerals were harvested at a higher rate than ever before.

Tremendous advancements in the transport industry took place and people could travel over long distances fast and in a safe manner. Distance that previously engaged travellers for a week could now take a day or so. People who could stay decades without seeing each other could now frequently meet as it was cheaper to travel to and fro. Mesmerized by the increased civilization of the American society and how growth and expansion was influenced by railroads the second half of the 19th century, many nations tried to build their own rail systems (Loc.gov, 2017). People could move to other geographical locations as the industry continued to expand; many Americans took positive advantage of the expanding mobility.

Positive aspects were not the only attributes of railroads

Positive aspects were not the only attributes of railroads as pointed out by Trachtenberg (2007). Adverse marks were left in both the people and the environmental economy as the railroads continued to be laid. Major displacements of the indigenous people occurred due to the construction. Political lobby was a fundamental direct negative impact of railroads. The majority vast of the populace hated corporations which aided migration of English men who settled and produced farm and dairy products in an immense manner. These products could not be adequately absorbed by the public.

Corporations and managements of railroad decided to improve their venture due to the complaints concerns afforded to them by both the public and the government (Balliet, 2013). Changes towards the positive side were now visible as the corporations attempted to make their affairs more efficient and less cruel. Every employee in each corporation had legislated duties so as to smoothen the affairs. After these changes, new jobs started to emerge as the railroad industry became better and better. Corruption was minimized and salaries of the employees rose. Ticketing industry came to be as a result of betterment of the sector and the continued construction.

The writer has conducted deep research with respect to railroad industry and its effect to the American society, presenting good insight for other researchers who would want to find the references of railroad construction and the effects of its changes. It is however my view that railroad industry dynamisms did more than that. The writer points out that scandals were evident with the pioneers of the railroad as they found themselves at the center of unlawful business practices. This made the railroad industry enhance the use of middle managers who in a great way minimized corruption and further scandals, seeing the success of the industry as pointed out by Trachtenberg (2007). His elucidation of how the civil war affected the dream of western railroads as the government in the Pacific Railway Act which preserved California and the West for the entire union is in-depth. However, little rails were laid up until the end of Cold War.

Although the Act had some privileges that made leaders such as Huntington make money, the future of the United States as well as its success was dependent on the railroad industry (Balliet, 2013). Whitney on the other hand played a huge role in the advancement of the railroad by being instrumental in the acquisition of land as well as monetary grants from the American government. The railroad industry also played a big role in the controversy during the period of the Cold War for military purposes. Eventually, rail expansion was massively supported by the government with the declaration of the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862, which made it one of the institutions in America to cause a great impact on the American society.

Conclusion

Balliet included various aspects of railroad changes and advancement to influence readers in their view of the advantages of the railroad industry to the American society. It is however in my opinion that the railroad industry did more to the economy than just that. The railroad industry is the fundamental reason as to why the American society is where it is today. The onset of betterment of jobs, businesses, and the entire economy of the nation were all marked by it. It has activated numerous technological advancements, including the internet, for it was the first means through which the entire globe became a village. During the period between 1840 and 1890, the railroad brought the economy of the American society to fruition as it facilitated the mobility of resources and people as pointed out by Trachtenberg (2007).

References

Loc.gov. (2017). Railroads in the Late 19th Century - American Memory Timeline- Classroom Presentation | Teacher Resources - Library of Congress. [online] Available at: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/riseind/railroad/ [Accessed 16 Oct. 2017].

Trachtenberg, A. (2007). The incorporation of America: Culture and society in the gilded age. Macmillan.

Balliet, Greg (2013) “Railroads and their Effect on American Society, 1840-1890,” Saber and Scroll: Vol. 2 : Iss. 4 , Article 4.