During colonial period Mombasa, Tanga and Dar es salaam were the coastal states in which the railway lines ran perpendicular to these states due to the availability of harbours . Give six reasons why the railways ran directly to these states?
1. Access to harbours: Mombasa, Tanga and Dar es Salaam were all coastal states with access to major harbours. This made them ideal locations for railway lines as goods could be easily transported to and from the harbours for export and import.
2. Trading hubs: These states were also key trading hubs during the colonial period. The railway lines allowed goods to be transported quickly and efficiently between different regions, facilitating trade and commerce.
3. Transport of goods: Railways were the primary mode of transport for goods during the colonial period. The railway lines provided a reliable and efficient means of transporting goods over long distances.
4. Economic development: The railway lines played a significant role in the economic development of these states. The transport of goods facilitated trade and commerce, leading to economic growth and development.
5. Strategic importance: Mombasa, Tanga and Dar es Salaam were of strategic importance to the colonial powers. The railway lines facilitated the movement of troops and supplies, making it easier for the colonial powers to maintain control over these regions.
6. Natural resources: These states were rich in natural resources such as minerals, timber, and agricultural products. The railway lines allowed these resources to be transported to the coast for export, providing an important source of income and revenue for the colonial powers.
During the colonial period, the railway lines ran perpendicular to the coastal states of Mombasa, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam due to the availability of harbors. Here are six reasons why the railways were directed towards these states:
1. Strategic Locations: Mombasa, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam were strategically located on the East African coastline, making them natural entry points for international trade and transportation.
2. Deep Natural Harbors: These coastal states had deep natural harbors, which made them suitable for large commercial ships to dock and unload goods. Railways linking directly to these harbors enabled efficient transportation of goods to inland regions.
3. Trade and Commerce: Mombasa, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam were centers of trade and commerce, serving as major ports for exchanging goods between Africa, Europe, and Asia. The railways were established to facilitate the movement of goods to and from these ports, promoting economic development and international trade.
4. Colonial Influence: The colonial powers, such as the British and Germans, aimed to strengthen their control and influence over the region. By constructing railways directly to these coastal states, they could establish a more efficient transportation network for resource extraction, colonization, and administration.
5. Resource Distribution: The railway lines were aimed at facilitating the transportation of raw materials and resources found in the interior regions, such as minerals, agricultural produce, and timber, to the coastal ports for export.
6. Development of Hinterland: The railways played a crucial role in the development of the inland regions connected to Mombasa, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam. These railway lines provided access for settlers, traders, and administrators to move inland and establish infrastructure, plantations, and mining operations.
In summary, the railways ran perpendicular to Mombasa, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam due to the strategic locations of these coastal states, their deep natural harbors, the need to facilitate trade and commerce, colonial influence, resource distribution, and the development of the hinterland.