The Railway Mania

The Railway Mania was a period in the early 19th century, primarily in Britain, characterized by a rapid expansion of railway networks and intense investment in railway companies. Between 1840 and 1847, speculators and the public invested heavily, driven by the potential for profits and the belief that railroads would revolutionize transport and trade. However, many ventures were poorly planned, leading to inflated stock prices and eventual crashes. By 1847, the bubble burst, resulting in significant financial losses for investors. This episode highlighted both the excitement and risks of investing in emerging technologies during that era.