In what ways did railroads both businesses and consumers

Railroads helped transport goods from far away distances in a relatively short time. That means that goods that are easily spoiled can be put on trains to be transported faster than if on a hay cart. This means that businesses can reach farther and get customers from the other side of the country. Consumers on the other hand, are able to get more products from a variety of businesses and choose which one suits them the most. 

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The theory is land mass basically what they said.