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The United States from 1865 to 1950 Essay example -- essays research p

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The United States changed dramatically from 1865 to 1950.  Many changes occurred in industrialization, foreign affairs, government, as well as in society and culture.  The events that took place within this time period helped shape this country into what it is today.
    Industrial development began with the railroad, with the help of Republican governments, who provided subsidies, loans and tax exemptions to railroad corporations.  Over 52,000 miles of railroad were laid all over the nation between 1854 and 1879.  Railroads stimulated growth.  They required many resources to build, such as coal, wood, glass, rubber, and brass.  Most importantly, the railroad connected the country.
    Although small factories were already up and running three decades before the Civil War, it wasn’t until after the 1850’s that the industrial economy boomed.  Larger factories that produced goods to sell nationally and internationally were being built.  These factories transformed the United States from a farming nation into the most industrialized nation in the world.