The Railroad Problem

"The Railroad Problem" by Edward Hungerford is a historical examination of the American railroad industry in the early 1900s, during its time of great adversity. The book paints a picture of an industry grappling with financial woes, labor disputes, and its overall impact on society. Beginning with the perception of the railroad system as the ailing member of American business, suffering from numerous problems despite its former importance and future prospects, Hungerford employs the analogy of a large family, where each member is dealing with unique challenges, underscoring the need for solutions to better the condition of this system of transport. In fact, he also highlights how temporary economic conditions brought about by a European war have provisionally obscured the true extent of the railroad's problems. This sets the stage for a thorough investigation of the railroad's economic difficulties and labor relations as the book progresses.