Themes in American History

Chicago, one of America’s greatest cities, saw a drastic change during post civil war era. One of the reasons for this major change was both geographical and economical. Since the war ended and the South had lost the war, many business entrepreneurs and investors saw a great deal of potential in Midwestern cities like St. Louis and Chicago. According to Chudacoff, “Chicago grew with the aid of railroads, and as a web of tracks extended in all directions towards Chicago, the trains began cutting into St Louis’s commercial hinterland (Pg 81).” Chicago certainly had an advantage that was crucial for transportation of trade through an east-west route making it more accessible and convenient for farmers to ship grain and livestock to New York. Chicago also grew in population in 1840, becoming the ninth most populous city in America.  The greatest change that occurred in comparison to New York however, was the construction of railroads that had entered into the city through thirty different lines. Having a reliable source of transportation allows the city to quickly and thoroughly move people and goods from one place to another. The city was able to flourish with the railroads but as well with the geographical spread of the city as well. The city was harboring by the Great lakes and with the State of Illinois pinpointing on the canals, Chicago emerged as the City by the Lake. New York was now able to reach Chicago by both land and water. Both cities emerged as the major cities of modern day with many cultural and economical factors that are driving the force of America today.

Tags: Chicago, trade, Transportation

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