John Esch and the Transportation Act of 1920

Abstract

This is a study of the work which John Esch did to secure passage of the Transportation Act of 1920 and a description of how his success in gaining approval for his legislation resulted in his defeat in the congressional election of 1920. The extent to which compromise and hard work were required by Esch and his fellow congressment in order to return the railroads to private ownership after World War I are examined.