12. Lowering Costs of Travel and Trade
The expansion of railroads in the 19th century dramatically reduced the cost and duration of travel for both passengers and goods. Prior to rail, transporting freight by wagon was prohibitively expensive, often exceeding the value of the goods themselves. The advent of rail transport slashed these costs, enabling farmers and manufacturers to reach distant markets profitably. This efficiency spurred economic growth and facilitated the development of a national market system.
