Who were the railroad barons?

What were railroads used for?

Railroad barons were powerful people who controlled the nation’s rail traffic. Railroads were used for carrying ore, coal and timber to factories

What were four methods used by railroad barons?

The four methods used by the railroad barons were:

1.Consolidation - combining of separate companies

2. The standard gauge – made track size the same.

3. Rebates – discounts to customers

4. Pools – secret agreements among barons

What was the governments response?

The government passed laws but the laws did little to curb their power.

Why were the railroad barons important?

They played an important role in building America’s transportation system.