Transport — canals and railwaysObjections to the railways
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.
Parliament did not like passing acts for railways because MPs worried that the fast speeds of trains would cause health problems for passengers.
Farmers and landowners did not like the idea of new railway tracks passing through their farm land because they believed that the smoke would destroy crops and scare their animals into giving birth prematurely or dying.
The aristocracy were annoyed at the idea of new railway tracks because they believed that it would hinder fox-hunting.
Some people did not like the idea of men and women travelling in the same train carriage.
Canal companies felt threatened by railway companies, but failed to do everything they could to prevent them from stealing businesses.