ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part examines the transport revolution in terms of the improvements in bulk carrying capacity, the speed of transport and the reductions in the cost of transport which it facilitated. It looks at the effects of improved communications upon the structure of the markets for agricultural products. The part considers the degree to which farmers were able and willing to respond to the new opportunities created by improved access to markets and to new problems caused by the intensification of competition on both internal and international markets. It aims to provide some key aspects of the role of transport in economic development.
