Railroad

Question 1

Consolidation

Answer 1

The practice of combing separate companies

Question 2

Advantages of consolidation

Answer 2

The large companies would become more efficient and able to do more work with fewer resources

Question 3

Disadvantages of consolidation

Answer 3

The smaller companies got drove out of business and the large companies would have a lot more control

Question 4

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Answer 4

One of the first railroad barons. He used consolidation to control his industry

Question 5

How did other industries benefit from the expansion of the railroad system?

Answer 5

The iron industry grew because of the demand for iron tracks and the locomotives. Then, the railroad companies realized that steel was strong and the steel industry grew. The lumber industry also grew because of the railway ties. The coal industry grew too because of the fuel.

Question 6

What were some new technologies that improved railroad travel in the late 1800s?

Answer 6

Air brakes made the stopping trains safer. Janney car couplers made it easier for railroad workers to link cars. Refrigerated railroad cars allowed railroads to ship meat and crops for a long distance without them going bad. Pullman sleeping cars was a luxury railway car that had seats that changed into beds for overnight journeys.

Question 7

Rebate

Answer 7

Discounts that large railroads offered to their biggest companies

Question 8

Pool

Answer 8

A secret agreement that eliminated competition and had companies set identical rates. This agreement was made by the railroad barons.