How did the growth of the rail networks impact the meatpacking industry?

The growth of rail networks significantly transformed the meatpacking industry by enabling faster and more efficient transportation of livestock and meat products over long distances. This accessibility allowed packing plants to source animals from a wider region and distribute their products to urban markets, leading to increased sales and profitability. Additionally, the ability to ship perishable goods quickly helped ensure freshness, facilitating the rise of national brands and standardization in meat quality. Overall, railroads helped centralize meatpacking operations and contributed to the industry's expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.