-Why did the artist choose to portray the Southern Pacific Railroad's monopoly as an octopus?
A) Its wealthy owners were "captains of industry" who supported the public.
B) It had to be depicted as a multi-armed creature because it helped so many industries.
C) It strangled its rivals in competing industries.
D) It single-handedly destroyed the American maritime industry.

Question

-Why did the artist choose to portray the Southern Pacific Railroad's monopoly as an octopus?
A) Its wealthy owners were "captains of industry" who supported the public. 
B) It had to be depicted as a multi-armed creature because it helped so many industries. 
C) It strangled its rivals in competing industries. 
D) It single-handedly destroyed the American maritime industry.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The octopus metaphor was chosen to represent the Southern Pacific Railroad's monopoly because it illustrated how the company extended its control and influence, like tentacles, to strangle or suppress competition in various industries, not just in railroads but across the economic spectrum. This imagery effectively conveyed the monopolistic practices and the negative impact on competitors.

-Why Did the Artist Choose to Portray the Southern Pacific