Second Industrial Revolution, Railroad Barons

Why did the expansion of the railroad network during the Second Industrial Revolution play a crucial role in transforming the United States into an industrial power? This lesson and activity examines the background and impact of the Second Industrial Revolution and the rise of Railroad Barons such as Vanderbilt, Carnegie, and Morgan. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge.

Included in this resource:

Do Now - Political cartoon primary source analysis with questions
Titans of the Tracks: The Railroad Barons and the Second Industrial Revolution reading passage with scaffolding questions
Cornelius Vanderbilt POV with scaffolding questions
Andrew Carnegie POV with scaffolding questions
J.P. Morgan POV with scaffolding questions
Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the technological advancements and the growth of the railroads during the Second Industrial Revolution affect daily life and economic growth in the United States?
Answer key for teachers (suggested)
★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you!

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