The Industrial Revolution was a period between the 18th and 19th centuries in which major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on North America. The Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point in history because 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 effect on the Industrial Revolution, but they would not have been as successful if it were not for the railroads. Railways have played a vital role in the development and success of other industries. Railways triggered the greatest leap forward in the history of transportation. Through technological and business innovations and the creation of steam locomotives, the development of trains as public carriers of passengers and goods gave birth to the railway. The railroad industry changed the nature of production because it became an important source of energy that replaced human and animal power. Because of the important role of railroads, workers became more productive, items were shipped more quickly, and resources became available to everyone, including workers and the middle class, not just the wealthy. Railroads became known as one of the greatest transportation advances in history. That's because it kicked off America's next fifty years of prosperity. Railroads became extremely popular and useful during the 1800s for millions of people and other large businesses. Even though there were a lot of industrialists… the paper industry and the expansion of the west. Railroads helped these industries expand their territories, which not only brought wealth to large corporations but also helped create jobs for many people. The railroad industry became an important gateway for immigrants because it introduced them to diverse work and life opportunities. The railroad industry also helped pour money into the American economy. The railroad industry helped raise economic standards and change the path from an agriculture-based economy to a machinery-based agriculture. Railroads united America as a whole. It was the driving force of the industrial revolution that brought America together as one. The industrial revolution would not be the same if it were not for the railway industry which changed not only the people but the entire country for the next fifty years.