Revolution in transportation

A major change in transportation occurred in the 19th Century with the development of railways (def.), the steamship (def.), and later in the 20th century, the automobile (def.). The revolution in transportation was followed by the invention of refrigerated transport (def.). This allowed the long distance transport of heavy and perishable agricultural produce, as well as a reduction in the cost of transportation.

The revolution in transportation laid the foundation for large national markets (such as « les Halles », the central food market in Paris) and of regional specialization in food production. Later, huge international markets were created, and international compartmentation of agricultural activities developed.

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