The rapid development of railroads in the United States was accomplished
A) in large measure through the investment of European banking firms.
B) exclusively through the support of large numbers of small investors.
C) with the help of some of the largest government subsidies ever granted.
D) almost totally through the investment of a handful of shrewd millionaires.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The development of railroads in the United States was made possible through the support of some of the largest government subsidies ever granted. The federal government provided significant financial aid in the form of land grants and loans, which allowed for the construction of thousands of miles of track. While there were certainly wealthy individuals and companies who invested in the railroad industry, they alone would not have been able to fund the massive undertaking of building a national rail network.

The Rapid Development of Railroads in the United States Was