In 1918, what was the central north-south route for over a century?
- The Erie Canal
- The Mississippi River
- The St. Lawrence River
- The Hudson River
Correct Answer: The Hudson River
Correct Answer Explanation: The Hudson River was a key transportation route for over a century, connecting different regions and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield call the U.S. transportation system?
- The Transportation Quad
- The Triple Threat
- The Transportation Trinity
- The United Network
Correct Answer: The Transportation Trinity
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary Redfield described the U.S. transportation system as a “trinity” of railroads, waterways, and highways, emphasizing the need for a unified approach that considers the strengths and limitations of each mode.
In 1918, what was the primary force driving the adoption of motor trucks?
- The rise of rural delivery services
- The need for faster transportation of goods
- The development of the internal combustion engine
- The demand for more efficient transportation in cities
Correct Answer: The development of the internal combustion engine
Correct Answer Explanation: The internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation, making possible new tools for waterways and highways.
How much freight was transported annually on the Hudson River by water in 1918?
- 2,500,000 tons
- 5,000,000 tons
- 8,000,000 tons
- 12,000,000 tons
Correct Answer: 8,000,000 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1918, the Hudson River was a major transportation route for goods, with over 8,000,000 tons of freight transported annually by water.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was a key benefit of motor trucks?
- Their ability to transport goods over long distances
- Their effectiveness in connecting rural areas to larger transportation networks
- Their affordability compared to other modes of transportation
- Their low environmental impact
Correct Answer: Their effectiveness in connecting rural areas to larger transportation networks
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield saw motor trucks as essential for connecting rural areas to larger transportation networks, extending the reach of delivery services and facilitating the movement of goods from farms and villages.
What was the maximum radius that motor trucks could typically operate from major transportation terminals?
- 10-20 miles
- 25-50 miles
- 50-100 miles
- 100-200 miles
Correct Answer: 50-100 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Motor trucks in 1918 had a limited range, typically operating within a 50-100 mile radius of major transportation terminals, serving as a critical link between local communities and larger transportation networks.
What was the draft of the Mississippi River barges designed to transport ore and coal?
- 3 feet
- 6 feet
- 9 feet
- 12 feet
Correct Answer: 6 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mississippi River barges, powered by the internal combustion engine, had a draft of only 6 feet of water, allowing them to navigate shallow waterways and transport large quantities of ore and coal.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield envision for rural areas?
- A system of rural express services connecting farms and villages to larger transportation networks
- A network of paved roads connecting all rural communities
- A centralized system of rural postal delivery using horseback riders
- The development of rural airports for faster transportation
Correct Answer: A system of rural express services connecting farms and villages to larger transportation networks
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield envisioned a system of rural express services using motor trucks to connect farms and villages to larger transportation networks, facilitating the movement of goods and people between rural areas and urban centers.
Where were motor trucks used to transport seal skins and building materials in 1918?
- The Pribilof Islands
- The Aleutian Islands
- The Hawaiian Islands
- The Galapagos Islands
Correct Answer: The Pribilof Islands
Correct Answer Explanation: The Pribilof Islands in the Behring Sea were a remote location where motor trucks were used to transport seal skins and building materials, demonstrating the effectiveness of these vehicles in isolated and challenging environments.
In 1918, how did the Railroad Administration demonstrate its support for a unified transportation system?
- By investing in the development of new highways
- By operating inland waterways
- By constructing new railroad lines in rural areas
- By providing financial assistance to motor truck manufacturers
Correct Answer: By operating inland waterways
Correct Answer Explanation: The Railroad Administration, in a sign of the evolving transportation landscape, was operating inland waterways, highlighting the shift towards collaboration between different transportation modes and recognizing the importance of an integrated approach.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was the cost of bad roads?
- They were a major source of traffic congestion
- They contributed to higher transportation costs
- They made it difficult for rural communities to prosper
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield argued that bad roads were costly to communities in various ways. They contributed to higher transportation costs, hampered economic growth in rural areas, and made it difficult for goods and people to move efficiently, ultimately hindering development.
What was the key takeaway of Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s speech on transportation in 1918?
- The importance of the railroads as the primary mode of transportation
- The need for increased government investment in highways
- The crucial role of motor trucks in connecting rural areas to larger transportation networks
- The need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways
Correct Answer: The need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield’s speech emphasized the importance of a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways, recognizing that each mode has a vital role to play in facilitating the movement of goods and people, connecting communities, and ensuring the economic growth of the nation.
Which of these statements accurately reflects Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s views on the transportation system in 1918?
- Each mode of transportation is independent and should be developed separately.
- Railroads are the most important mode of transportation and should receive the majority of investment.
- Motor trucks are a fad and will not play a significant role in the future of transportation.
- Transportation should be viewed as a “trinity,” with railroads, waterways, and highways working together to create a unified system.
Correct Answer: Transportation should be viewed as a “trinity,” with railroads, waterways, and highways working together to create a unified system.
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield argued for a unified transportation system, where railroads, waterways, and highways work together as a “trinity,” complementing each other to create a more efficient and effective network. He recognized the importance of integrating these different modes to address the diverse transportation needs of the nation.
Which of these was NOT a key element of Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s vision for transportation in 1918?
- The integration of railroads, waterways, and highways
- The widespread adoption of motor trucks
- The development of rural express services
- The construction of new railroads in rural areas
Correct Answer: The construction of new railroads in rural areas
Correct Answer Explanation: While Redfield recognized the importance of railroads, his focus was on the integration of railroads, waterways, and highways, with a particular emphasis on the growing role of highways and motor trucks in connecting rural communities and facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people.
What type of transportation did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was most efficient for transporting goods over short distances, particularly in rural areas?
- Railroads
- Waterways
- Motor trucks
- Airplanes
Correct Answer: Motor trucks
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield believed motor trucks were highly efficient for transporting goods over short distances, particularly in rural areas, where they could connect farms and businesses to larger transportation networks, facilitating the delivery of goods and services to local communities.
What did the New York State Barge Canal, with a 12-foot draft, have the capacity to carry?
- 500 tons
- 1,000 tons
- 1,800 tons
- 2,500 tons
Correct Answer: 2,500 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The New York State Barge Canal, with a 12-foot draft, was designed to carry 2,500 tons of cargo, demonstrating the significant capacity of waterways for transporting goods.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe would be a key benefit of the widespread adoption of motor trucks?
- The creation of new jobs in rural areas
- The reduction of traffic congestion in cities
- The decrease in the cost of transporting goods
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield believed the widespread adoption of motor trucks would have several benefits, including the creation of new jobs in rural areas, the reduction of traffic congestion in cities, and the decrease in the cost of transporting goods, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved transportation efficiency.
What did the internal combustion engine make possible in terms of transportation?
- The development of motor trucks
- The construction of new railroads
- The expansion of the postal service
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The internal combustion engine had a profound impact on transportation, enabling the development of motor trucks, facilitating the construction of new railroads, and expanding the reach of the postal service, revolutionizing the way goods and people moved across the nation.
In 1918, what did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was a key factor in the success of the U.S. transportation system?
- The government’s control over all modes of transportation
- The use of technology to improve efficiency
- The availability of a large workforce
- The nation’s vast geographical size
Correct Answer: The use of technology to improve efficiency
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield recognized that technological advancements, such as the internal combustion engine, were crucial for improving transportation efficiency, leading to the development of new tools and modes of transportation that could connect communities, facilitate the movement of goods, and contribute to economic growth.
What was Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s primary message in his speech on transportation in 1918?
- The need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways
- The importance of motor trucks as the primary mode of transportation
- The necessity of government control over all modes of transportation
- The importance of investing in new technologies to improve efficiency
Correct Answer: The need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield’s primary message was the need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways. He believed that by working together, these different modes of transportation could create a more efficient and effective system, connecting communities, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and contributing to the economic growth of the nation.
In what year was Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s speech on transportation delivered?
- 1917
- 1918
- 1919
- 1920
Correct Answer: 1918
Correct Answer Explanation: The speech was delivered in September 1918, during the final months of World War I, a time when the United States was facing a critical shortage of transportation capacity.
What was the main reason for the U.S. government’s focus on improving transportation in 1918?
- The need for faster transportation of goods to support the war effort
- The need for a more efficient system to connect rural communities
- The need to reduce traffic congestion in cities
- The need to protect the environment
Correct Answer: The need for faster transportation of goods to support the war effort
Correct Answer Explanation: The United States was facing a critical shortage of transportation capacity in 1918 due to the demands of the war effort. This context underscored the urgency of Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s message, as he called for the nation to prioritize the development of a robust and interconnected transportation system to meet the challenges of the wartime economy.
What was the name of the organization for which Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield was speaking at the Conference of Regional Chairmen?
- The Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense
- The National Transportation Association
- The American Automobile Association
- The Interstate Commerce Commission
Correct Answer: The Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield was speaking at the Conference of Regional Chairmen of the Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense, highlighting the importance of highways and motor trucks in supporting the national transportation system during the war effort.
What was the primary mode of transportation used to transport goods from Troy, New York to New York City overnight?
- Railroads
- Waterways
- Motor trucks
- Airplanes
Correct Answer: Waterways
Correct Answer Explanation: The speech cites the example of a factory in Troy, New York, that utilized water express services to transport machinery from Troy to New York City overnight, showcasing the efficiency of water transportation for certain types of goods.
What was the main purpose of the rural express services envisioned by Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield?
- To connect farms and villages to larger transportation networks
- To provide faster transportation for passengers
- To reduce the cost of transporting goods
- To improve the efficiency of the postal service
Correct Answer: To connect farms and villages to larger transportation networks
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield envisioned a system of rural express services using motor trucks to connect farms and villages to larger transportation networks, facilitating the movement of goods and people between rural areas and urban centers, and ultimately contributing to the economic growth of rural communities.
How did the use of motor trucks impact the reach of rural free delivery and parcel post services?
- It extended their reach to more rural areas
- It reduced the cost of these services
- It made these services faster and more efficient
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The widespread adoption of motor trucks enabled the postal service to extend the reach of rural free delivery and parcel post services to more remote areas, reducing the cost of these services and making them faster and more efficient, ultimately providing improved access to communication and essential goods for residents in rural communities.
Which of these statements accurately reflects Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s view on the role of highways in the transportation system?
- Highways are a luxury that can be developed only after the needs of the railroads are met.
- Highways are a secondary mode of transportation and are less important than railroads.
- Highways are an essential part of the transportation system, particularly for connecting rural areas.
- Highways are a threat to the railroads and should be limited in their development.
Correct Answer: Highways are an essential part of the transportation system, particularly for connecting rural areas.
Correct Answer Explanation: Redfield emphasized the crucial role of highways, particularly in rural areas, for connecting communities and facilitating the movement of goods and people. He recognized that highways, when integrated with railroads and waterways, played a vital role in creating a unified and efficient transportation system that could support the economic growth of the nation.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was the most important aspect of the U.S. transportation system?
- Its efficiency
- Its affordability
- Its accessibility
- Its safety
Correct Answer: Its efficiency
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield, in his 1918 speech, emphasized the importance of an efficient and interconnected transportation system that could facilitate the movement of goods and people, connecting communities, and ultimately contributing to the economic growth of the nation. He believed that by integrating railroads, waterways, and highways, the transportation system could be optimized to address the diverse needs of the nation and support the war effort.
In what city did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield describe a system where motor trucks transported goods from surrounding areas to a steamboat line?
- New York City
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- New Haven
Correct Answer: New Haven
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield described a system in New Haven, Connecticut, where motor trucks transported goods from surrounding areas to a steamboat line, which then carried the goods to New York City, illustrating how different modes of transportation could be integrated to create a more efficient and effective transportation network.
What was the primary mode of transportation used to connect isolated fishery stations to larger transportation networks?
- Railroads
- Waterways
- Motor trucks
- Airplanes
Correct Answer: Motor trucks
Correct Answer Explanation: The speech highlights the use of motor trucks at isolated fishery stations, demonstrating how they enabled efficient transportation of resources and goods, connecting these remote locations to larger transportation networks and contributing to the success of the fishing industry.
What was the name of the islands in the Behring Sea where motor trucks were used to transport seal skins and building materials?
- The Aleutian Islands
- The Pribilof Islands
- The Hawaiian Islands
- The Galapagos Islands
Correct Answer: The Pribilof Islands
Correct Answer Explanation: The Pribilof Islands in the Behring Sea were a remote location where motor trucks were used to transport seal skins and building materials, demonstrating the effectiveness of these vehicles in isolated and challenging environments.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was the most important aspect of a unified transportation system?
- Its ability to connect all communities
- Its ability to transport goods quickly and efficiently
- Its ability to adapt to changing needs
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believed that a unified transportation system should be able to connect all communities, transport goods quickly and efficiently, and adapt to changing needs. He emphasized the importance of integrating railroads, waterways, and highways, recognizing that each mode played a vital role in supporting the economic growth of the nation and meeting the diverse transportation needs of the people.
What was the name of the canal that connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River?
- The Panama Canal
- The Erie Canal
- The Suez Canal
- The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
Correct Answer: The Erie Canal
Correct Answer Explanation: The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, marking a significant step in the development of transportation in the United States and facilitating the movement of goods and people between the East Coast and the Midwest.
What was the primary purpose of the Mississippi River barges designed to transport ore and coal?
- To connect rural communities to larger transportation networks
- To transport goods from the Midwest to the East Coast
- To reduce the cost of transporting these materials
- To provide a more efficient mode of transportation for heavy goods
Correct Answer: To provide a more efficient mode of transportation for heavy goods
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mississippi River barges, powered by the internal combustion engine, were designed to transport large quantities of ore and coal, providing a more efficient mode of transportation for these heavy goods and supporting the industrial development of the nation.
What was the primary message of Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s speech on transportation in 1918?
- The need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways
- The importance of motor trucks as the primary mode of transportation
- The necessity of government control over all modes of transportation
- The importance of investing in new technologies to improve efficiency
Correct Answer: The need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s primary message in his speech was the need for a unified transportation system that integrates railroads, waterways, and highways. He believed that by working together, these different modes of transportation could create a more efficient and effective system, connecting communities, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and contributing to the economic growth of the nation.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was the key to achieving a unified transportation system?
- Government control over all modes of transportation
- Increased investment in new technologies
- Collaboration between different modes of transportation
- The widespread adoption of motor trucks
Correct Answer: Collaboration between different modes of transportation
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believed that collaboration between different modes of transportation was key to achieving a unified transportation system. He emphasized the importance of integrating railroads, waterways, and highways, recognizing that each mode played a vital role in supporting the economic growth of the nation and meeting the diverse transportation needs of the people.
What was the primary reason for the increasing use of motor trucks in 1918?
- They were more affordable than railroads
- They were more efficient for short-distance transportation
- They could access areas that were not served by railroads
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Motor trucks were gaining popularity in 1918 for several reasons. They were more affordable than railroads for short-distance transportation, they could access areas that were not served by railroads, and they were more efficient for transporting goods over short distances, particularly in rural areas. These factors contributed to the widespread adoption of motor trucks as a vital element of the national transportation system.
What was the impact of the internal combustion engine on the transportation system in 1918?
- It led to the development of new tools for waterways and highways
- It made possible the widespread adoption of motor trucks
- It contributed to the expansion of the postal service
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The internal combustion engine had a profound impact on the transportation system in 1918, leading to the development of new tools for waterways and highways, making possible the widespread adoption of motor trucks, and contributing to the expansion of the postal service. These advancements revolutionized the way goods and people moved across the nation.
What was the primary purpose of the barges on the Mississippi River?
- To transport passengers
- To connect rural communities to larger transportation networks
- To transport heavy goods, such as ore and coal
- To provide a more efficient mode of transportation for short distances
Correct Answer: To transport heavy goods, such as ore and coal
Correct Answer Explanation: The barges on the Mississippi River were designed to transport heavy goods, such as ore and coal, providing a more efficient mode of transportation for these materials and supporting the industrial development of the nation.
What was the primary mode of transportation used to connect isolated fishery stations to larger transportation networks?
- Railroads
- Waterways
- Motor trucks
- Airplanes
Correct Answer: Motor trucks
Correct Answer Explanation: Motor trucks played a crucial role in connecting isolated fishery stations to larger transportation networks, enabling efficient transportation of resources and goods, and contributing to the success of the fishing industry.
What did Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield believe was the most important aspect of the U.S. transportation system?
- Its efficiency
- Its affordability
- Its accessibility
- Its safety
Correct Answer: Its efficiency
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield, in his 1918 speech, emphasized the importance of an efficient and interconnected transportation system that could facilitate the movement of goods and people, connecting communities, and ultimately contributing to the economic growth of the nation. He believed that by integrating railroads, waterways, and highways, the transportation system could be optimized to address the diverse needs of the nation and support the war effort.
What was the primary purpose of the rural express services envisioned by Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield?
- To connect farms and villages to larger transportation networks
- To provide faster transportation for passengers
- To reduce the cost of transporting goods
- To improve the efficiency of the postal service
Correct Answer: To connect farms and villages to larger transportation networks
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield envisioned a system of rural express services using motor trucks to connect farms and villages to larger transportation networks, facilitating the movement of goods and people between rural areas and urban centers, and ultimately contributing to the economic growth of rural communities.
What was the name of the organization for which Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield was speaking at the Conference of Regional Chairmen?
- The Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense
- The National Transportation Association
- The American Automobile Association
- The Interstate Commerce Commission
Correct Answer: The Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense
Correct Answer Explanation: Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield was speaking at the Conference of Regional Chairmen of the Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense, highlighting the importance of highways and motor trucks in supporting the national transportation system during the war effort.
What was the main reason for the U.S. government’s focus on improving transportation in 1918?
- The need for faster transportation of goods to support the war effort
- The need for a more efficient system to connect rural communities
- The need to reduce traffic congestion in cities
- The need to protect the environment
Correct Answer: The need for faster transportation of goods to support the war effort
Correct Answer Explanation: The United States was facing a critical shortage of transportation capacity in 1918 due to the demands of the war effort. This context underscored the urgency of Secretary of Commerce William C. Redfield’s message, as he called for the nation to prioritize the development of a robust and interconnected transportation system to meet the challenges of the wartime economy.
What did the New York State Barge Canal, with a 12-foot draft, have the capacity to carry?
- 500 tons
- 1,000 tons
- 1,800 tons
- 2,500 tons
Correct Answer: 2,500 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The New York State Barge Canal, with a 12-foot draft, was designed to carry 2,500 tons of cargo, demonstrating the significant capacity of waterways for transporting goods.
What was the main purpose of the Mississippi River barges designed to transport ore and coal?
- To connect rural communities to larger transportation networks
- To transport goods from the Midwest to the East Coast
- To reduce the cost of transporting these materials
- To provide a more efficient mode of transportation for heavy goods
Correct Answer: To provide a more efficient mode of transportation for heavy goods
Correct Answer Explanation: The Mississippi River barges, powered by the internal combustion engine, were designed to transport large quantities of ore and coal, providing a more efficient mode of transportation for these heavy goods and supporting the industrial development of the nation.