Which of the following are true about railroad expansion in the late 19th century? Choose all that apply.

Question

1. It led to new managerial forms and techniques.
2. It accelerated the growth of new territories.
3. It was not paid for by the government.
4. It grew too quickly and large corporations lost money.

Answer 1

All of the statements you provided about railroad expansion in the late 19th century can be considered true. Here's a brief explanation for each:

1. It led to new managerial forms and techniques.
   True. The expansion of railroads necessitated the development of new management practices and organizational structures to efficiently handle long-distance transportation and operations.

2. It accelerated the growth of new territories.
   True. Railroads played a crucial role in opening up new territories for settlement and economic development, facilitating the movement of people and goods.

3. It was not paid for by the government.
   This statement is somewhat misleading. While private companies financed much of the construction, the government did provide land grants and subsidies to support railroad expansion. Therefore, this statement could be considered false depending on interpretation.

4. It grew too quickly and large corporations lost money.
   True. The rapid expansion led to overbuilding and speculation, resulting in financial difficulties for many railroads during economic downturns, particularly seen during the Panic of 1893.

Given these explanations, statements 1, 2, and 4 are true, while statement 3 is more nuanced.