Final answer:
The railroads had a significant impact on cities, particularly in terms of boosting economic growth and facilitating urban expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The railroads had a significant impact on cities, particularly in terms of boosting economic growth.
Firstly, railroads provided a much faster and more efficient mode of transportation for goods, which facilitated the growth of industries and businesses in cities. The ability to transport raw materials and finished products quickly and easily allowed factories and manufacturing centers to thrive, creating more job opportunities and attracting more people to urban areas.
Additionally, the railroads also played a major role in the expansion of cities. The invention of the electric streetcar in 1888, which operated along rail lines, allowed people to live farther away from their workplaces as long as they had access to the streetcar. This led to the development of streetcar suburbs, which contributed to the overall growth and expansion of cities.
In summary, the railroads greatly influenced cities by fueling economic growth and facilitating urban expansion.