  
|  |
 |
Steam and Speed: Industry, Transport and Communications
Fathom
|
| Seminar Introduction |
 | | Science Museum, London/Science and Society Picture Library | | Submarine torpedo boat, 1879. Designed and built by Garret. |
The scale of Britain's industrial expansion during the nineteenth century was enormous and unprecedented. Fuelled by a rapid increase in international trade and a growing middle-class demand for consumer goods, Britain led the world in the development of rail networks and steamships. Its imports and exports increased concomitantly, supported by the class system and a renewed puritan work ethic. This seminar gives a strong and helpful account of the components of this expansion. Here one learns how steam continued to dominate electricity as a power source for trains in the twentieth century, while the bulk of urban transport still relied on horsepower. In the area of public transport generally, Britain led the world, creating the first underground electric railway, which opened between London's Paddington and Farringdon on 10 January 1863. On the sea, Britain dominated the industrialised world both in tonnage and distance: the British India Steam Navigation Co., established in 1856, became the largest shipping line in the world, eventually connecting India to South East Asia, the Far East, the Persian Gulf, Britain, East Africa and Australasia. Surprisingly, Britain lagged behind France, the United States, and Germany for self-propelled vehicles: most British cars were manufactured from German parts. The Victorian era remains the height of Britain's technological achievement.
|
| Learning Objectives |
- Calculate the rate and scale of industrial expansion during the Victorian era in Britain.
- Compare the relative importance of different energy sources for the expansion of public transport on sea and land.
- Contrast Britain's development of trains and trams with the development of private self-propelled vehicles in France, Germany and the United States.
- Describe and enumerate the major fleets and routes of the British steamship industry in the 19th century.
- Evaluate the impact of British innovations and industries on the rest of the world.
|
| Sessions |
|
| Credits |
Copyright The Victoria and Albert Museum.
|
| Technical Requirements |
To appreciate this seminar experience, it is critical that you have the appropriate software, plug-ins, and network connections. Please take the time to download the latest versions of the plug-ins mentioned below if you do not already have them.
Browser: Netscape versions 4.x up to 4.76, or Internet Explorer versions 4.x or later. Your browser must have JavaScript enabled and must be set to accept cookies.
Network Connection: The recommended minimum connection is 56K modem with throughput of 34Kbps or more. A faster connection is encouraged to take better advantage of the media elements in the seminar.
|
|
|