Which phrase epitomized the false promises made by railroad companies regarding agricultural success?

The phrase "Rain will follow the plough" captures the essence of the exaggerated promises made by railroad companies, suggesting that farming success was almost guaranteed with the expansion of railroads and the cultivation of land. This phrase implied a natural connection between agricultural activity and favorable weather conditions, which was misleading. In reality, while railroads facilitated access to new lands and markets, they could not control environmental factors such as rainfall, which are crucial for successful farming.

This phrase became particularly popular among promoters of westward expansion, as it painted an optimistic picture of the Great Plains and encouraged settlement. Many immigrants and settlers were lured by these assurances, expecting easy prosperity from agriculture. However, the harsh realities of farming in these areas often involved significant challenges, including droughts and poor soil conditions, which contradicted the optimistic expectations set by such slogans.