An important benefit of the laissez-faire policies of the federal government in the late 19th century is that many American industries, such as railroads, steel and oil, achieved rapid growth.
Industrial expansion accelerated during and after the Civil War. During the Civil War the Union Congress approved bond issues and land grants to finance the construction of the transcontinental railroad by the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads. The railroad connected California with the Midwest, and made protected, all-weather coast-to-coast rail travel and transport economically feasible.
