George Pullman
Definition
George Pullman (1831-1897) was an American industrialist and inventor best known for developing the Pullman sleeping car, a luxury railway car with seats that converted into beds for overnight journeys.
Analogy
Think of Pullman as Elon Musk of his time. Just like how Musk revolutionized electric cars with Tesla, Pullman revolutionized train travel with his luxurious sleeping cars.
Related terms
Pullman Strike (1894): A nationwide railroad strike in the United States that pitted the American Railway Union against the Pullman Company, marking a turning point for US labor laws.
Company Towns: These are communities where nearly all stores and housing are owned by one company. The town of Pullman in Illinois was such a place built by George Pullman for his employees.
Labor Unions: Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better wages, working conditions and worker's rights. The conflict between labor unions and business owners like George Pullman was a significant aspect of America's industrial era.
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