The growth of the Industrial Revolution depended on the ability to transport materials and finished goods over long distances. One of the most prominent types of transportation that increased during the Industrial Revolution was the railroad system. Railroad transportation was especially important in the United States because of its contributions to western expansion. Not only was the railroad industry important in human transportation, but it also allowed easier transportation of goods. Easier shipping therefore boosted the fishing and farming industries. These new improvements created hundreds of new jobs for railroad workers and iron miners. Not only was the railroad industry a major improvement in transportation, but there was also the waterway transportation industry. The cheap and convenient steam engine was created, as were canals. All of the advancements allowed for much easier communication as well. One might claim that traveling by train is a dying industry in the United States. While there are even more improvements in human travel, such as airplanes, trains are still a booming industry in the transportation of goods. Not only that, but human travel by train is still extremely popular in Europe and other parts of the world.
Many people today couldn’t imagine having to work in a factory as a child with a twelve hour shift and no minimum wage. This was common