What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

The railroad was America's largest corporation and the main drive for economic growth during the period of industrialization in the South. Although the South was becoming more industrialized, agriculture remained at its core. The railroad made the exportation of crops possible, while also opening the doors for new labor in the South. While the railroad helped farmers with exportation of their goods, farmers had grievances concerning railroad rates and exploitation; the formation of the Southern Farmers' Alliance was an illustration of their grievances. However, the railroad brought upon substantial change as it was one of the corporations, along with others such as Coca-Cola, which helped industrialize the South.