Hear that Train Whistle Blow! How the Railroad Changed the World (Landmark Books) - Hardcover

Grade 6-9–Asserting that the railroad's "invention led to the greatest change in human history since farming was invented about twelve thousand years ago," Meltzer's book is unique in its presentation of the myriad ways in which this form of transportation affected almost every aspect of modern civilization. In addition to recounting the building of the transcontinental railroad in the U.S., the author describes the shorter train lines that developed around large cities prior to the Civil War and how they shaped the economy, agriculture, and the growth of new towns. He explains that slaves were used to construct railroads in the South and details the terrible conditions under which Chinese laborers worked on the Central Pacific. He also tells how former slaves became Pullman porters, allowing them to achieve a higher standard of living. He contrasts the high regard that 19th-century society had for railroad's "Big Four"–Collis P. Huntington, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker–with more recent views that these men exploited and manipulated their way to wealth and power. Labor history and strikes are included, as is mention of the need for the U.S. to construct a high-speed, energy-efficient, ecologically sound rail network. Illustrated with numerous archival photographs, this excellent, comprehensive history will be a welcome addition.–Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA
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Gr. 5-9. The invention of the railroad, Meltzer asserts, "led to the greatest change in human history since farming." It's an extravagant claim, but one that the Wilder Award-winning author supports with compelling evidence. Nevertheless, the gloomy tale he tells may leave many readers wondering if the railroad was actually beneficial, as it was connected to ruthless exploitation of workers, extermination of Native Americans and the buffalo, corruption among avaricious public officials hungry for payoffs, and violent, bloody strike-breaking tactics employed by the equally greedy railroad owners. Is such progress worth the price it exacts in the coin of human suffering? Meltzer encourages readers to consider the question in this well-designed book, lavishly illustrated with period drawings and photographs.Michael Cart
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