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The Conversation USA

The Conversation USA

For tech giants, a cautionary tale from 19th century railroads on the limits of competition

  • Written by Richard White, Professor of American History, Stanford University
Southern Pacific steam engine No. 1364 in 1891.Wikimedia Commons

Late 19th-century Americans loved railroads, which seemed to eradicate time and space, moving goods and people more cheaply and more conveniently than ever before. And they feared railroads because in most of the country it was impossible to do business without them.

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Read more: For tech giants, a cautionary tale from 19th century railroads on the limits of competition

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