As primeiras ferrovias do nordeste brasileiro: processo de implantação e o caso da Great Western Railway

Abstract

During the 19 century, the railroads have undergone a significant transformation in the economic life of many countries, as they reduced the cost of transportation and made possible to link a number of cities in less time. In Brazil, railways have been constructed chiefly by British companies whose main objective was to serve the areas of export products, such as sugar, cotton, cocoa and coffee. This paper covers the first railway experience in Northeast region, especially the characterization of the construction phases and the analysis of the economic-financial cycle of one of the principal railway companies – Great Western of Brazil Railway.