It needed to defeat France on the Western front before Russia could prepare to attack on the Eastern front.
Explanation:
Russia was allied with France and Austria-Hungary was allied with Germany. The Germans needed to help Austria-Hungary, but they needed to defeat France before doing so, otherwise they would be facing a two-front war.
Because during that time railroad company's would monopolies on farmers and the act required them to have a reasonable and just cost to use railroads. Hope this helps.