Chapter 24

How did the huge industrial trusts develop in industries such as oil and steel, and what was their effect on the economy?

Leaders of these industries, such as Carnegie and Rockefeller bought off their competition. It was positive for a short amount of time.

What early efforts were made to control the new corporate industrial giants, and how effective were these efforts?

Sherman anti-trust act. It prevented bussinesses from grouping together and gaining a monopoly in whatever they did.

What was the effect of the new industrial revolution on American laborers, and how did various labor organizations attempt to respond to the new conditions?

The rail system made it easier to ship goods across country so products could be delivered from one coast to the other and all points in between. The need for unskilled laborers was reduced by the invention of machines to replace the workers. The labor organizations tried to stop the competition of the machines versus people. Or at least slow it down so many people did not lose their jobs because they were replaced by a machine.

What was the impact of the transcontinental rail system on the American economy and society in the late nineteenth century?

The railroads only connected water routes so the tracks weren't connected. In the 1950's railroads began to connect to each other. The railroad was the fastest and easiest way to travel long distance. They also diverted traffic from waterways weakened the Northwest's connection with the South.