Underground railways

Definition

Underground railways are transportation systems built beneath the ground, primarily used to transport large numbers of passengers quickly and efficiently in urban areas. These systems were pivotal during the era of urbanization, facilitating the movement of people from suburbs to city centers, and playing a key role in the growth of industrial cities by connecting various neighborhoods and reducing congestion on surface streets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first underground railway, the Metropolitan Railway, opened in London in 1863, paving the way for similar systems worldwide.
2. Underground railways helped reduce traffic congestion in growing industrial cities by providing an alternative to horse-drawn carriages and later automobiles.
3. These systems were designed not only for efficiency but also to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in urban environments.
4. The development of underground railways was closely linked to advances in technology, such as steam locomotives and later electric trains.
5. The expansion of underground railway systems contributed to social change by making it easier for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds to access jobs and services across city boundaries.

Review Questions

• How did underground railways impact urban life and the growth of cities during the industrial era?
  • Underground railways significantly transformed urban life by providing a fast and efficient means of transportation. They connected various neighborhoods, allowing residents to commute easily between suburbs and city centers. This connectivity encouraged population growth in urban areas and facilitated economic expansion by enabling workers to access jobs more easily, which ultimately contributed to the rapid growth of industrial cities.
• Evaluate the technological advancements that made the construction and operation of underground railways possible during the 19th century.
  • The construction of underground railways was made possible by several technological advancements in the 19th century, including the use of steam locomotives for initial systems and later electric trains that improved speed and efficiency. Additionally, tunneling technologies evolved, allowing for safer and more effective excavation under city streets. These innovations not only made underground railways feasible but also enhanced their ability to transport large volumes of passengers quickly, changing urban transportation dynamics.
• Assess the long-term effects of underground railway systems on social dynamics and economic patterns in growing industrial cities.
  • The long-term effects of underground railway systems on social dynamics were profound, as they promoted greater accessibility across urban landscapes. By allowing individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds to travel seamlessly between neighborhoods, these systems fostered increased social interaction and integration. Economically, underground railways contributed to the decentralization of industries as businesses moved into suburban areas where workers could easily commute, leading to significant changes in land use patterns and urban development throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

urbanization: The process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, often leading to the growth of cities and changes in lifestyle.

mass transit: Public transportation systems designed to move large numbers of people efficiently, including buses, trains, and subways.

commuter: A person who travels regularly to and from work or school, often using public transportation such as underground railways.