George Westinghouse, an American entrepreneur and engineer, made a monumental advancement in transportation technology with his patent for the air brake in the early 1870s. Prior to this invention, trains predominantly relied on hand brakes, which were inefficient and hazardous, particularly at high speeds or on steep grades. Westinghouse's engineering innovation employed compressed air to activate brake mechanisms on individual cars, enhancing the overall braking performance of trains. This system provided the ability to stop or slow down trains more effectively than previous methods, increasing the safety for passengers and cargo alike.

The development of the air brake was significantly influenced by the rapid expansion of the railroad industry in America, which had become a crucial mode of transportation by this time. Westinghouse's system gained traction after demonstrating its effectiveness in practical train operations. As more railways adopted the air brake technology, it became a standard requirement, which led to the widespread acceptance of his design across the nation. This embrace set the stage for further innovations in rail transport, solidifying the safety and reliability of trains over the subsequent decades.

Westinghouse's invention was not only pivotal in transforming passenger travel but also had economic implications as it facilitated quicker movement of goods across vast distances. This contributed to industrial growth and expansion while promoting a modality that would ultimately integrate parts of the U.S. and fuel its economic engine. It positioned Westinghouse as a key figure in engineering and innovation, with implications that extended beyond railroads into various industrial applications later on.