America: It was built on......TRAINS!

Yes you have heard it here on my blog, it twas indeed built upon the greatest invention ever to come out the British Isles (and it certainly ain't Jedward or the legend that is the Twirl chocolate bar!) It was interesting to hear about how the development of the railway system with the USA was determined by the boom & growth in railways within the country. Even though the actual lecture i had today was running over the reconstruction of the American South from the period from the end of the Civil War to the end of the 19th century. It was also fascinating to hear about the problems that were faced the difference in gauges between railways in the North & the South. To most people that actually have a life, this relatively small factor doesn't really mean much, however in all fairness it certainly was a big problem.

In fact we the Brits had our very own "gauge" issue with a certain short bloke with a huge massive hat and his own railway system...and no it isnt Abraham Lincoln. It was with a certain Mr Brunel and his broad gauge that caused the stir in this country. The key to any success is to have a similar or compatible system which can be used by everyone. Brunel didnt think this. His gauge was seen (by him) to be the best but in short singled out his railway from everyone else's. The majority of the UK was, and still uses the "standard" gauge designed by George Stephenson, therefore you had to change trains, all because of the different size of your train. Crazy....definatley. It wasnt until 1892 that Brunel's system was finally converted to the "standard gauge" and then all of the UK was "one" size to fit all. The counties that had once been under the "Broad Gauge" certainlly benefited from the switch to the standard gauge. The Irish decided to stick with the Brunel system, and sorry to seem like im poking fun, just look at their system now. I love Ireland to bits but its always seemed like ive stepped back 20 years in time when im over there. It hasnt been able to develop has it could of done. The same could be said about the Southern States of America.

Bristol Temple Meads Today: Originally centre to Brunel's "Broad Gauge", converted to standard gauge

Dublin: Line to Croke Park-now abandoned (Broad Gauge)

Of course the US was a dire mess after the Civil War and one key element of the reconstruction could be argued that the ecomonic structure of those states deeply affected by the war needed to be stabilised and controlled in such a way to be able to flow freely. The Southern states have always been 2nd best to the Northern States, Top Gear certainlly showed us why most globetrotters would avoid these "hick" states like going to a game at Fratton Park in a Southampton top with "Redknapp" on your back. To the normal eye, its a no brainer. But with all the questions flying around about emancipation, reconstruction and of course the issue with newly freed slaves, the answer that could of solved a great deal of the problem was clearly evident. To the statement by Richard Hill, n ex slave to who my seminar group & myself talked about, these people didnt want to rise up against their former slaves, but they wanted "work and land". However this wasnt possible because southern whites werent willing to help these guys out, racism was about as rife as a force 12 hurricane and employment towards the ex slaves was either out of reach or non vi-able. And this is where the railway issue comes into this mini debate. Would it of helped the situation with regards to the ecomonic state of the southern states if their were more railways? And if so of the same track size to those of the North? I believe to could of helped one way or another, but at least its given me the chance to ram something in about trains and history into my blog! Oh and also throw in one of my photos as well!! (Its the top one!) With regards to the issue ive just raised, its certainly something else to have a think about.