The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century when major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and technology had a profound effect in North America. The Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point in history as it changed every aspect of life in America and the country as a whole. People began replacing plows and other tools with machines that could do twice as much work. While others moved to big cities and started working in factories and other businesses. Huge industries such as textiles, steel, and coal emerged and had a profound impact on the Industrial Revolution, but they would not have been very successful without the railroads. Railroads played a vital role in the development and success of other industries. Railroads sparked the greatest transportation advancement in history. Through technological and entrepreneurial innovations and the creation of steam locomotives, the development of trains as public carriers of passengers and goods gave rise to the railway. The railroad industry changed the nature of production as it became an important source of energy that replaced human and animal power. Thanks to the important role of railroads, workers became more productive, goods were shipped more quickly, and resources became accessible to everyone, including the working and middle class, not just the wealthy. Railroads became known as one of the greatest transportation advancements in history. That's because he set the stage for America's next fifty years of prosperity. Railroads became extremely popular and useful during the 1800s for millions of people and other large businesses. Although there were many industries......middle of the paper industry......iling and western expansion. Railroads helped these industries expand their territories, which not only brought wealth to large businesses, but also helped create jobs for many people. The railroad industry became an important gateway for immigrants as it opened up different work and life opportunities for them. The railroad industry also helped pump money into the U.S. economy. The railway industry helped raise economic standards and move from an agriculture-based economy to a machinery-based economy. Railroads united America as a whole. It was the driving force behind the Industrial Revolution that unified America. The industrial revolution would not be the same without the railway industry which changed not only the people but also the country as a whole over the next fifty years..