The transport of merchandises by train in Portugal (1870-1910)

Abstract

After situating the subject of the article in the structure of the dissertation from where it was taken, and after referring to the theoretical and methodological approach bases, the author makes a global analysis of the trafic evolution and composition. This analysis is followed by a study on the organisation of fluxes. Finally, she attempts to establish a relationship between the production and the trade by train in what regards some merchandises belonging to the primary sector. In what concerns the organisation of fluxes, the study concludes that the railway construction had the immediate purpose of implementing worldwide commercial relationships. The development of the domestic market occurred much later and had different regional features. While for the areas along the axe Lisbon-Oporto, especially those nearer both centers, the railway was meeting their needs for sending off and receiving merchandises, the integration of other spaces in the medium and long distance trade was slow and restricted. The interrelationship has developed towards a growing dependance upon the area of Lisbon (or that of Oporto), mainly in what concerns the conveys. As to the supplies, the dependance became weaker, at least in the Alto Alentejo inland, under more thorough study. The so often proclamed direct relationship between the construction of the new transport network and the development of the domestic market is therefore imprudent.