Battle Cry of Freedom 1

McPherson cites the transportation revolution as a critical aspect of antebellum development in the U.S. (pages 11-13). He concludes that “the transportation revolution refashioned” the growing nation’s economy—and therefore its growth both culturally and politically. I agree with him. Furthermore, I believe that in all ages—especially today—how people get around will largely determine (or at least significantly influence) what choices they will make both individually and collectively. Our students today need to understand to what degree their current modes of transportation determine the direction their own lives will take—both metaphorically and literally. They also need to recognize that the development of new forms of transportations over recent centuries has connected the known world, and made it a “small world after all”, to quote Walt Disney. We live in a connected world, which means we will be interacting with many different cultures. Learning social skills that will enhance our relationships with these different cultures are vital to the continuing success as individuals and as a nation!