Final answer:
The introduction of the railway air brake by George Westinghouse in 1869 allowed for safer and higher-speed train travel, which significantly boosted the efficiency of transporting goods and passengers, accelerating industrial and economic growth. It also tripled the volume of goods and passengers by 1890, and necessitated increased governmental oversight and infrastructure standardization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The railway air brake, invented by George Westinghouse, provided a transformative safety enhancement over the manual braking systems previously used on trains. Because trains armed with air brakes could be stopped more safely and reliably, they could travel at higher speeds without compromising safety. This increased efficiency in transportation of goods and passengers, fueling industrial and economic growth. Efficient and faster rail transportation allowed for the rapid movement of raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets, which was a catalyst for the expansion of numerous industries, enhanced resource distribution, and improved national economic development. As a direct result, railroads could carry heavier locomotives and loads, contributing to the mass production era that defined the late 19th century.
Furthermore, with the safer and more efficient rail system, the number of goods and passengers tripled from 1877 to 1890, supporting the emergence of a national market system. This expansion in trade and mobility also required government intervention in creating safety standards and overseeing national infrastructure projects, which led to increased political power and national unity.