Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts
Major
History
Date of Defense
11-20-2009
Graduate Advisor
Carlos A. Schwantes, Ph. D.
Committee
Rust, Daniel
Fernlund, Kevin
Abstract
During the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century electricity made inroads into American life. Industry used electricity to power machines. Homemakers utilized electric appliances such as irons and washing machines to perform household chores. Electric lighting was used in homes, factories, railroad stations, advertising, and on city streets. The promise of electricity transformed everyday life. Electricity also held the promise of making it easier to transport freight and passengers on steam railroads. Despite electricity's superiority to steam, a few railroads decided to electrify because it was necessary. Only one railroad, the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul, electrified a major portion of its lines for economic reasons.
OCLC Number
535123596
Recommended Citation
Michalski, Adam T., "Unfulfilled Promise: Electrification and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad" (2009). Theses. 181.
https://irl.umsl.edu/thesis/181