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The history of trains began in the early 19th century in the United Kingdom, driven by the need to transport minerals. The creator of the first functional steam locomotive was the British engineer Richard Trevithick, who in 1804 succeeded in moving the first load on rails. Trevithick designed a high-pressure engine that surpassed the power of horses. -
George Stephenson: Considered the "father of railways" for perfecting Trevithick's idea, making trains practical and commercial. -
Stockton and Darlington (1825): Stephenson built the first public railway line that used steam locomotives for goods and passengers. -
The Rocket (1829): Designed by Robert Stephenson (son of George), it won the "Rainhill Trials", establishing the standard design for fast and reliable locomotives. -
Liverpool-Manchester (1830): The world's first intercity railway line, consolidating passenger transport. -
The AVE and its equivalents: At the end of the 20th century, speed became the main objective. In Spain, the Madrid-Seville AVE began operating in 1992 at 300 km/h.