Lectures on the Gilded Ages vs the Internet Age

1. The railroad connected every region of the United States as a network of commerce, communications, and transportation. Areas of the country that were once seen as nearly impossible to reach were now intimately connected to the more populated areas of the country. The Internet Revolution similarly connected the globe as one network of information, entertainment, and communication. Areas that once were devoid of reliable sources of information/communication to the rest of the world are now connected.

2. The railroad changed perceptions of time and distance, with the speed of the train cars far exceeding that of the traditional horse and buggy or wagon train. The Internet changed perceptions of time, distance, and breadth of knowledge. Internet access broke the barrier of distance in attaining knowledge, but also opened minds to areas of study and resources that were not conceivable in the past.

3. The railroad created disorientation and psychological disorder among the passengers of the rails. The speed of the train cars, along with the uncertain safety of the cars themselves and the configuration of the car’s seating, created many cases of psychological and physiological disorders. The Internet has created a similar disorientation, with the overwhelming speed of internet connections overwhelming many and creating isolation from traditional social relationships.

4. Financial strength in the 19th century was held in the hands of a few monopolies (Standard Oil, US Steel) and smaller business within major industries that tried to imitate these monopolies. In the late 20th century, while monopolies were not legal, many companies toed the line between legal business and the monopolization of industries like computer software, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.