American Railroads: The Chicago History of American Civilization

American Railroads: The Chicago History of American Civilization is an in-depth look at the history of railroads in America, from their beginnings in the early 19th century to their peak in the mid-20th century. The book explores the role of railroads in the development of the United States, from the transportation of goods and people to the growth of cities and the expansion of the American economy.

The book is written by Carl W. Condit, a professor of history at Northwestern University. Condit has written extensively about the history of transportation in America, and his book on railroads is a major contribution to the field.

American Railroads (The Chicago History of American Civilization)

by John F. Stover

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1816 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The book is divided into three parts. The first part, "The Early Years," covers the period from the first railroads in the 1830s to the Civil War. The second part, "The Golden Age," covers the period from the Civil War to the early 20th century. The third part, "The Decline," covers the period from the early 20th century to the present.

Condit's book is a well-written and comprehensive history of railroads in America. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of transportation, the history of the United States, or the history of technology.

The Early Years

The first railroads in America were built in the 1830s. These early railroads were short, and they were used primarily to transport goods. However, the railroads quickly proved to be a more efficient way to transport goods than canals or roads, and they soon began to spread across the country.

By the 1850s, railroads had become the primary mode of transportation in America. They were used to transport goods, people, and mail. Railroads also played a major role in the development of the American economy. They made it possible to transport goods from one part of the country to another quickly and efficiently. This helped to create a national market for goods, and it also helped to stimulate the growth of industries.

The Golden Age

The period from the Civil War to the early 20th century was the golden age of railroads in America. During this time, railroads continued to expand across the country. They also became more efficient and more reliable.

Railroads played a major role in the development of the American West. They made it possible to transport goods and people to the West quickly and efficiently. This helped to open up the West to settlement and development.

Railroads also played a major role in the growth of American cities. They made it possible for people to commute to work from the suburbs. This helped to create a more dispersed population, and it also helped to spur the growth of suburbs.

The Decline

The early 20th century saw the beginning of the decline of railroads in America. The rise of the automobile and the airplane made railroads less important for transportation. Railroads also faced increased competition from trucks and buses.

The decline of railroads continued throughout the 20th century. By the end of the century, railroads were no longer the primary mode of transportation in America. However, railroads continue to play an important role in the transportation of goods.

American Railroads: The Chicago History of American Civilization is a well-written and comprehensive history of railroads in America. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of transportation, the history of the United States, or the history of technology.

American Railroads (The Chicago History of American Civilization)

by John F. Stover

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1816 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	324 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE