University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Era of Expansion and Reform
This resource, a speech by Woodrow Wilson to Congress on April 8, 1913, gives a great review of how the United States transformed from from a rural country to an urban one. It includes a review of industrialization, new inventions,...
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: Main Events of the Twentieth Century
This last section of an extensive essay about the railroad in United States history discusses the role of the railroad in the 20th century.
Digital History
Digital History: Accelerating Transportation
A thorough look at the transportation revolution that occured in the early 1800s. Read about the building of roads, canals, and the spread of railroads. Find out about the surprising opposition to improved transportation, and see how...
University of Alberta
University of Alberta: The Galt Enterprises
This is a brief history that describes the establishment of the Alberta Railway by Alexander Tilloch Galt. It would be a means of moving coal from his companies coal properties to Medicine Hat. Included are maps, photographs and primary...
University of Alberta
University of Alberta: The Alberta Midland Railway
This brief history relates the construction in 1909 of what was to be an extensive network of lines, of which only two were built. An engineering challenge was faced during the construction due to a deeply incised, old glacial meltwater...
University of Alberta
University of Alberta: The Canadian National Railways
This history of the Canadian National Railways (CNR) describes its formation in 1918 as the Government of Canada merged the assets of the Canadian Northern Railway with those of the Canadian Government Railway and later the Grand Trunk...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Rail Transport
Information on railroads is found on this site from Wikipedia encyclopedia. Discusses the history of railways, different parts of the railway, types of trains, and the economic aspects of rail ownership and operation.
University of California
History Project: The Pullman Strike of 1894
Given background information and primary source documents, students will write an essay describing the events of the Pullman Strike of 1894 organized around a theme.
Other
Texas Bird's Eye Views: Riding the Rails Across Texas
For this lesson, students will discover the benefits and drawbacks of railroads and understand the railroad's importance to Texas cities and American life.
Other
People of Mexico Living Up to the Ideals of the Revolution
This site provides in-depth information about the Mexican Revolution and the people that took part in it.
Other
Black Inventor Online Museum: Andrew Beard
A short biography of Andrew Beard, whose invention improved the safety of railroads in the 19th century.
Other
Oral History Digital Collection
First-person narratives of northeastern Ohioans who have participated in, or closely observed events which have significantly affected both the state and nation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: George Westinghouse
This brief article on the life and contributions of George Westinghouse (1846-1914) includes a picture. Read about his air brake as well as his development of the alternating current system.
Tennessee History For Kids
Tennessee History for Kids: The Iron Horse Arrives
This website provides information about the impact of railroads in Tennessee.
Other
Gateway Nmra: Trains and Railroads in the Civil War
Why were the railroads so important to both the Confederates and Union and how were they targets of raids? How were railroad executives involved in the course of the war? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Northern Homefront
The military-industrial complex thrived in the North during the Civil War, but read about how inflation affected the ordinary worker. See how the role of women expanded to fill in for men who were away fighting. Women also had an impact...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Westinghouse World
This has detailed information about the various historical Westinghouse plants and their working conditions. Also includes information about George Westinghouse and "Life in Wilmerding, home of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company."
Curated OER
National Park Service: Economic Aspects of the Civil War: A New Economy of War
The "Breadbasket of the Confederacy", the Shenandoah Valley, depended on the rail lines to distribute food to both the troops and the civil population of the South. Read about the economic war that was waged hand in hand with the...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: February 28: B & O Railroad
Highlights the opening of the B & O Railroad charter and other related events in American history that took place on today's date.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Binding the Nation by Rail
Read about the explosive growth of railroad track across the United States after the Civil War. Find out about the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, the men who made fortunes from the railroads, and the first American regulatory...
Read Works
Read Works: The Industrial Revolution the Legend of John Henry
[Free Registration/Login Required] This passage shares the legend of a many named John Henry, a "steel drivin' man," according to legend. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and...
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: George Westinghouse
Find information about George Westinghouse's contributions to both railroad safety and the adoption of alternating current for motors and the transmission of electricity.
American University
Deforestation in Madagascar
Gives history of Madagascar's cultural and economic development in relation to its land clearing practices. Cites biological species indigenous to the island, and their imminent destruction. Includes links to several case studies.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Wake Up, America: New Modes of Transport in 19th Century America [Pdf]
A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that examines how new technology and scientific advances of the nineteenth century changed America. Includes ideas for directing students through a...