FIGURE 20.1 Share of World Wheat Market, 1860–1900

Although many countries produced wheat for home markets, Britain, Germany, and the United States were among the largest wheat exporters. Exporting wheat worldwide became viable after the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. The resulting growth of the railroads, coupled with the development of improved mechanical reapers throughout the second half of the century, led to the mechanization of U.S. agriculture, allowing wheat farmers to harvest ever-larger crops.