South America and the power of steam

Posted by: Keith Mitchell, Posted on: 29 January 2018 - Categories: Foreign affairs and diplomacy, The National Archives

The independence of South America bought an influx of opportunities for commerce and investment from Europe and North America. Everyone wanted a piece of the newly opened continent. Merchants, industrialists, and entrepreneurs arrived to make their fortunes.
Why could South America not follow European and North American railway expansion to modernise the infrastructure and open access to the remote country?