A synergy between iron and steel, and railroads and coal developed at the beginning of the Second Industrial Revolution. Railroads allowed cheap transportation of materials and products, which in turn led to cheap rails to build more roads. Railroads also benefited from cheap coal for their steam locomotives.

The steam engine not only improved the way of transporting, but also the quality of life. For example, people could travel by taking locomotive and steam ship. Roads, canals, and railways were three major components of transportation improved during the first industrial revolution.

The Second Industrial Revolution affected the North, South, West, and Midwest with changes such as population, transportation, and economy changes. The rapid growth of the manufacturing economy in each region created a need for workers attracting many immigrants. Moreover, each region had their own type of economy.

The second Industrial Revolution is usually dated between 1870 and 1914, although a number of its char- acteristic events can be dated to the 1850s.

How did the expansion of railroads accelerate the second industrial revolution in America? Railroads created a true national market for U.S. goods. These products were national brands, sold everywhere across the United States thanks to the expanding railroad network.

The Civil War used the advances of the Industrial Revolution to foster great changes in industrial and technological development. Both the North and the South made use of advances in railroad and riverine transportation. The Union, however, was far more advanced technologically than the Confederate states.

For nearly a century, the people and politicians of the Northern and Southern states had been clashing over the issues that finally led to war: economic interests, cultural values, the power of the federal government to control the states, and, most importantly, slavery in American society.