Why was standardization of tracks and time zones important for railroads? (p. 489- 490)
They made it possible for towns to lay their own tracks.
They forced Pullman and others to build cars according to certain standards.
They reduced competition in the western part of the country.
They offered greater efficiency in production, safety, and scheduling.

They offered greater efficiency in production, safety, and scheduling.

Explanation:

The establishment of time zones and the standardization of tracks were two important developments for railroads. Before the standardization took place, each town had its own time zone, which made it very difficult for the railroad to establish its departure and arrival times. It also made it difficult for people to make their plans. With standardization, railroads became more efficient.

The Civil War was a war (although Congress never issued a Declaration of War) unleashed in the United States from 1861 to 1865. As a result of the historical controversy over slavery, the war broke out in April, 1861, when the Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina, shortly after President Abraham Lincoln took office. The nationalists of the Union proclaimed loyalty to the Constitution of the United States. They clashed with secessionists from the Confederate States, who defended the rights of states to expand slavery.