Rail transport history

Rail transport history began in the early 19th century with the development of steam locomotives, revolutionizing travel and goods transport. The first successful steam-powered railway, George Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1, debuted in 1825 in England. Railways expanded rapidly across Europe and North America, facilitating industrial growth and urbanization. By the late 1800s, electric trains emerged, enhancing efficiency. The advent of automobiles and airplanes in the 20th century challenged rail's dominance, but it remains vital for mass transit and freight, evolving with new technologies like high-speed trains and electrification, contributing significantly to global transportation infrastructure.