How Did the Industrial Transformation After the Civil War Compare with the Earlier Phase of American Economic Development? (See Chapter 14) Why Were the Economic Developments of 1865-1900 Often Seen as a Threat to

The industrial transformation following the Civil War included many similar circumstances to the industrial boom between 1815 and 1900. In that time period, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin and the McCormick Reaper incited a new and more efficient way of living. The revolutionary changes made to the entire society allowed the country to modernize every aspect of life. Changes were seen as beneficial because of the lack of mass corruption to the integrity of the political and economic areas of America. Unlike the boom during this era, the time period following the Civil War caused an outburst in the railroad circuit throughout the nation that was easily susceptible to the radical graft presiding in the country at the time. By 1884, over four transcontinental railroads were built. With all but the Great Northern receiving land grants, the ease with which to lay the rails grew and grew. The significance of this peace time undertaking was the connection it made throughout the country. The West was now connected with the East, facilitating trade with Asian countries and exposure of Eastern manufacturing goods in the Far East.

Paving the way to rapidly grow in the West drew many comparisons to the landmark achievements of America’s past. Rapid growth was in large part due to the increasing bond of the older eastern networks into one. The welding together of such wealth allowed for new inventions to be implemented in the railroad project, thereby increasing the long term effectiveness of the railroad system. The first was the steel rail, which replaced the iron tracks. This eliminated the expense and inconvenience of numerous changes from one line to another. Air brakes were also invented to make the trips safer and easier. With the entire country expanding, the physical unification of the nation created a stronger and more solid foundation for the economy in America. The corruption soon got to the heads of those in charge. American people would not allow so few