Why was George Pullman hailed as a genius and a hero?

George Pullman was hailed as a genius and hero for revolutionizing the railroad industry with his invention of the luxury sleeping car, which transformed long-distance travel by providing comfort and convenience. He also created the Pullman community, a model town for his workers that included amenities and services, reflecting his vision of a harmonious work-life balance. However, his legacy is complex, as his management style and the labor disputes that arose, particularly the Pullman Strike of 1894, also cast him in a controversial light. Despite this, his innovations significantly impacted American transportation and urban planning.