12-2

Question 1

What encouraged rapid construction of the transcontinental railroad?

Answer 1

The government offering land along its right-of-way

Question 2

What was the “Big Four?”

Answer 2

a group of four merchants that invested in the Central Pacific, bought stock in the RR, and made a fortune

Question 3

This person was the most successful railroad consolidator. They accomplished it by offering a direct rail service from New York to Chicago.

Answer 3

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Question 4

What did the American Railway Association introduce to make railroad travel safer?

Answer 4

time zones

Question 5

What was the land grant system?

Answer 5

system by the government that gave land grants to RR companies. These companies were to sell this land to settlers, real estate companies, and other businesses to raise money needed.

Question 6

These are people who practiced lying, cheating, and stealing their way to the top of the RR industry.

Answer 6

robber barons

Question 7

Who was most notorious for being a robber baron?

Answer 7

Jay Gould

Question 8

This was an event that involved several stockholders of the Union Pacific setting up a fake construction company. It also involved Ulysses S. Grant’s Vice President.

Answer 8

Credit Mobilier Scandal

Question 9

Describe the events of the Credit Mobilier Scandal.

Answer 9

1. Investors of the Union Pacific signed contracts with themselves
2. Credit Mobilier company overcharging for services
3. Union Pacific forked out money from company due to the same investors controlling both companies
4. Investors attempted to bribe Congress from investigating

Question 10

This person built the Great Northern RR without any federal land grants or subsidies.

Answer 10

James J. Hill