Networks of iron (later steel) rails on which steam (later electric or diesel) locomotives pulled long trains at high speeds. The first were built in England in the 1830s. Success caused the construction of these to boom lasting into the 20th Century
as railways expanded across the globe. Railways revolutionized transportation by providing a faster, more efficient, and reliable mode for the movement of goods and people.
The construction of railways began in England in the 1830s with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825 being the first public railway to use steam locomotives. This was followed by the famous Liverpool and Manchester Railway, which opened in 1830 and became the world's first intercity railway.
The success of these early railways fueled a railway construction boom that spread to other countries, including the United States, Germany, France, India, Canada, and Australia. Railways became crucial for industrialization, as they facilitated the transportation of raw materials to factories and the distribution of finished goods to markets. They also played a significant role in the growth of cities and urbanization.
The development of the Bessemer process in the 1850s, which allowed the mass production of steel, revolutionized railway construction. Steel rails replaced iron rails, making the tracks stronger and more durable. This further contributed to the expansion of railways and allowed for faster and heavier trains.
Steam locomotives were the primary means of propulsion on these rail networks until the late 19th century when other types of locomotives started to emerge. The invention of the electric locomotive in the late 19th century and the diesel locomotive in the early 20th century provided alternative sources of power, offering increased efficiency and reduced pollution compared to steam locomotives.
Railway construction continued to boom throughout the 20th century, with networks reaching even the most remote corners of the world. However, the rise of other modes of transportation, such as automobiles and airplanes, led to a decline in the prominence of railways, with many lines being decommissioned or repurposed.
Nevertheless, railways remain a crucial component of transportation infrastructure in many countries, carrying goods and passengers efficiently over long distances. The networks of iron (later steel) rails originally built in England during the 19th century set the foundation for modern railway systems and marked a significant turning point in human transportation history.