American Railroads (The Chicago History of American Civilization) - Hardcover
Few scenes capture the American experience so eloquently as that of a lonely train chugging across the vastness of the Great Plains, or snaking through tortuous high mountain passes. Although this vision was eclipsed for a time by the rise of air travel and trucking, railroads have enjoyed a rebirth in recent years as profitable freight carriers.
A fascinating account of the rise, decline, and rebirth of railroads in the United States, John F. Stover's American Railroads traces their history from the first lines that helped eastern seaports capture western markets to today's newly revitalized industry. Stover describes the growth of the railroads' monopoly, with the consequent need for state and federal regulations; relates the vital part played by the railroads during the Civil War and the two World Wars; and charts the railroads' decline due to the advent of air travel and trucking during the 1950s.
In two new chapters, Stover recounts the remarkable recovery of the railroads, along with other pivotal events of the industry's recent history. During the 1960s declining passenger traffic and excessive federal regulation led to the federally-financed creation of Amtrak to revive passenger service and Conrail to provide freight service on bankrupt northeastern railroads. The real savior for the railroads, though, proved to be the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, which brought prosperity to rail freight carriers by substantially deregulating the industry. By 1995, renewed railroad freight traffic had reached nearly twice its former peak in 1944.
Bringing both a seasoned eye and new insights to bear on one of the most American of industries, Stover has produced the definitive history of railroads in the United States.
A fascinating account of the rise, decline, and rebirth of railroads in the United States, John F. Stover's American Railroads traces their history from the first lines that helped eastern seaports capture western markets to today's newly revitalized industry. Stover describes the growth of the railroads' monopoly, with the consequent need for state and federal regulations; relates the vital part played by the railroads during the Civil War and the two World Wars; and charts the railroads' decline due to the advent of air travel and trucking during the 1950s.
In two new chapters, Stover recounts the remarkable recovery of the railroads, along with other pivotal events of the industry's recent history. During the 1960s declining passenger traffic and excessive federal regulation led to the federally-financed creation of Amtrak to revive passenger service and Conrail to provide freight service on bankrupt northeastern railroads. The real savior for the railroads, though, proved to be the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, which brought prosperity to rail freight carriers by substantially deregulating the industry. By 1995, renewed railroad freight traffic had reached nearly twice its former peak in 1944.
Bringing both a seasoned eye and new insights to bear on one of the most American of industries, Stover has produced the definitive history of railroads in the United States.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press
- Publication date1997
- ISBN 10 0226776573
- ISBN 13 9780226776576
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number2
- Number of pages324
- Rating
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
American Railroads
Published by
University of Chicago Press
(1997)
ISBN 10: 0226776573
ISBN 13: 9780226776576
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Good. 2nd Edition. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 3155089-75
Buy Used
US$ 12.99
Convert currency
Stock Image
American Railroads (The Chicago History of American Civilization)
Published by
University of Chicago Press
(1997)
ISBN 10: 0226776573
ISBN 13: 9780226776576
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 6-0226776573-G
Buy Used
US$ 15.97
Convert currency
Stock Image
American Railroads (Chicago History of American Civilization Series )
Published by
University of Chicago Press., Chicago / London.
(1997)
ISBN 10: 0226776573
ISBN 13: 9780226776576
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hard cover. 2nd ed. Revised. Blue Cloth over boards. 5.5x8in. 306 p. B&W photo illustrations in sections, maps, tables. Bibliography. Index. Maps, pre-Civil War plans to 1971. Photos / Portraits (24): DeWitt Clinton, 1st train recreated in painting, 1831, to CSX double stacked container train. Tables: Freight weights and Mileage. Compact but informative. Very good. No dust jacket. Ex-library. Rubbed, scratchy patch on front cover (moderate); Only library markings: ink stamp across top, sticker inside reminding readers to return book on time. 1 0.0. Seller Inventory # Alibris.0004815
Buy Used
US$ 15.00
Convert currency