Union Pacific: Volume II, 1894-1969

Union Pacific #2

by Maury Klein

The second volume in the history of the Union Pacific begins after the financial panic of 1893, one of the worst depressions Americans had yet experienced, which pushed the railroad into bankruptcy. Maury Klein examines the complex challenges faced by the Union Pacific in the new century—the expanding role of government and its restrictive regulations, the growth of labor unions, the devastating effects of two world wars, and the growing competition from new modes of transportation—and how, under the innovative and influential leadership of Edward H. Harriman, the Union Pacific again played the role of industrial pioneer. Union Pacific has remained one of the strongest railroads in the country, surviving the eras of government regulation and the corporate mergers of the past twenty-five years. Insightful, definitive in scope, rich in colorful anecdotes and superb characterizations, Union Pacific is a fascinating saga not only of a particular railroad but also about how that industry transformed America.Maury Klein is professor of history at the University of Rhode Island. He is the author of several books, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Life and Legend of Jay Gould.

676 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Maury Klein is renowned as one of the finest historians of American business and economy. He is the author of many books, including The Power Makers: Steam, Electricity, and the Men Who Invented Modern America; and Rainbow's End: The Crash of 1929. He is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Rhode Island. He lives in Saunderstown, Rhode Island.

Reviews

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the history of the Union Pacific system from its bankruptcy in 1894, through its rebuilding by EH Harriman, through the development of the huge, iconic steam power and the turbine locomotives, through the early diesels, up to the Centennial of the Golden Spike in 1969. I was surprised when I read about top UP executives who were bedeviled by drinking and gambling problems. Also included in this book is the very unsuccessful merger attempts with the Rock Island Line. Any UP historian or railfan will enjoy this book!