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During the late 19th and early 20th century, California was a leader in the populist movement that swept the nation. Populists attacked powerful business interests that had acquired immense political power. In California, the Southern Pacific Railroad dominated all aspects of state government.
In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad line reached San Francisco and by 1876, Southern Pacific Railroad reached Los Angeles from San Francisco on its way to Arizona. Southern Pacific grew in power and by 1885 had merged with the Central Pacific Railroad to dominate the West. Southern Pacific was owned by the so-called “Big Four.” The four owners accumulated great wealth from the railroad and side businesses. They used their wealth to dominate California politics and ensure that government would help them maintain their monopolies in railroad and shipping.