In the 19th Century Britain witnessed a period of huge social, economic and political change. During this period, industry, the quality of life and communications were transformed. The development of rail transport is often viewed as one of the major influences of the time. Many in their attempt to aid society's progression supported railways. At the same time for others the railways were unwelcome and were responsible for reaping havoc on everyday life.
To enable me to analyse the impact of railways on Victorian society, I will provide a brief overview of life before the invention of the railway. Moving to focus on the many social, political and economic changes. By looking at accounts both for and against what Perkin (1970, p6) refers to as the 'great connecter'. I will attempt to assess what impact railways had, and if that impact is as important as we are often led to believe.
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