Transport — canals and railwaysSocial changes

Between 1830-1880, transport in Britain was transformed by the building of a huge railway network. The railways were needed for the transport of raw materials and manufactured goods. Railways brought changes to industry, society and politics.

Part ofHistoryChanging Britain (1760-1914)

Social changes

  • Middle class people could live in suburbs and smaller towns on the outskirts of large cities, and travel or commute to work by train.
  • Many people could afford to travel to the seaside or country for day trips, or take longer holidays, for the first time.
  • Better newspaper distribution made it easier to keep up with national developments.
  • Britain went on to a standard time to make it easier for railway companies to draw up and co-ordinate their timetables.
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The effects of the railways
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Economic changes

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