Question

as you read, take notes to answer questions about the growth of the railroads. realizing that railroads were critical to the settlement of the west and the development of the nation, the federal government made huge land grants and loans to the railroad companies. benefits → the railroad companies built transcontinental and local lines. the nation was transformed from a collection of regions into a united nation. railroad time became the nations standard, linking americans in one more way. drawbacks → the unchecked power and greed of the railroad companies led to widespread corruption and abuse of power. 1. what problems did employees of the railroad companies face? 2. what was it like to live as a pullman employee in the town of pullman? 3. who was involved in crédit mobilier, and what was the purpose of this company? 4. in what ways did the railroad companies use their power to hurt farmers? 5. why didnt the decision in the munn v. illinois case succeed in checking the power of the railroads? 6. why didnt the interstate commerce act immediately limit the power of the railroads?

Explanation:

1. Railroad employees often faced long - hours, dangerous working conditions, and low pay.
2. Living as a Pullman employee in Pullman town meant living in a company - controlled environment with high rents and strict rules.
3. The Credit Mobilier involved Union Pacific Railroad insiders and some members of Congress. Its purpose was to siphon off profits from railroad construction contracts.
4. Railroad companies hurt farmers by charging high freight rates, engaging in discriminatory pricing, and controlling access to markets.
5. The Munn v. Illinois decision didn't succeed in fully checking railroad power as the Supreme Court later limited the states' ability to regulate railroads on constitutional grounds.
6. The Interstate Commerce Act didn't immediately limit railroad power due to weak enforcement mechanisms, legal challenges, and the complexity of regulating a national industry.

Answer:

1. Long - hours, dangerous conditions, low pay.
2. Company - controlled environment with high rents and strict rules.
3. Union Pacific Railroad insiders and some Congress members; to siphon off construction profits.
4. High freight rates, discriminatory pricing, controlling market access.
5. Supreme Court later limited states' regulatory power on constitutional grounds.
6. Weak enforcement, legal challenges, regulatory complexity.