03-10-2015, 07:34 AM
Eisenhower created the Interstate system as a necessity to the nation's defense after seeing Germany's Autobahn system and how it was used by Germany during WW2. While built privately, railroads are also an integral part of the nation's defense. The United State's railroad system was built to help with westward expansion in a time when automobiles were non existant and there was room to develop a rail network. Europe had to deal with building it's rail networks through more densely populated areas.
In WW1, railroads were run by the government as a means of expediting troops, equipment, and supplies. Railroads can move these items faster and at a lower cost than highways can from coast to coast.
There was an idea floated around awhile ago that the US Government should purchase the nation's rail network and parcel out the routes to private company Designated Operators (much as a lot of local governments and European governments are doing).
In WW1, railroads were run by the government as a means of expediting troops, equipment, and supplies. Railroads can move these items faster and at a lower cost than highways can from coast to coast.
There was an idea floated around awhile ago that the US Government should purchase the nation's rail network and parcel out the routes to private company Designated Operators (much as a lot of local governments and European governments are doing).
Mike Kieran
Port Able Lines
" If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be " - Yogi Berra.
Port Able Lines
" If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be " - Yogi Berra.