Join host John Green to learn about railroads, some of the ways they changed the world, and how they were a microcosm for the Industrial Revolution as a whole. Prior to the invention of steam powered railroads, nearly all forms of locomotion had been muscle-powered. You either walked where you wanted to go or rode on an animal to get where you were going. The railroad changed human perception of time and space, making long distance travel much faster and easier. Railroads also changed habits, including increasing reading. People needed some sort of distraction. Like any new form of technology, railroads also scared people. All kinds of fears surrounded rail travel, but, over time, people got over them. [12:30]