The Iron Horse Case Study
The Iron Horse
*The most significant contribution to the development of such an economy was the railroad.
-The first one appeared in 1828.
- fast, reliable, cheaper than canals to construct + was year rounded
( did not freeze during winter)
- by 1860, railroads tracks totaled 30,000 miles ; 3/4 in the north
* PROBLEMS*
- Railroads were at first opposed because of safety flaws and they took away money from the Erie Canal investors.
- flying sparks of fire, feeble brakes, differences in distances between each rail stops
*Solution*
- improvement of brakes, gauges, safety devices ( by 1859 )
- tracks were bounded together with braces of iron and steel
WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT? : made transportation and
communication
*The most significant contribution to the development of such an economy was the railroad.
-The first one appeared in 1828.
- fast, reliable, cheaper than canals to construct + was year rounded
( did not freeze during winter)
- by 1860, railroads tracks totaled 30,000 miles ; 3/4 in the north
* PROBLEMS*
- Railroads were at first opposed because of safety flaws and they took away money from the Erie Canal investors.
- flying sparks of fire, feeble brakes, differences in distances between each rail stops
*Solution*
- improvement of brakes, gauges, safety devices ( by 1859 )
- tracks were bounded together with braces of iron and steel
WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT? : made transportation and
communication