The political unification of Italy cemented Milan’s commercial dominance over northern Italy. It also led to a flurry of railway construction that had started under Austrian partronage (Venice–Milan; Milan–Monza) that made Milan the rail hub of northern Italy. Thereafter with the opening of the Gotthard (1881) and Simplon (1906) railway tunnels, Milan became the major South European rail focus for business and passenger movements e.g. the Simplon Orient Express. Rapid industrialization and market expansion put Milan at the centre of Italy’s leading industrial region, though in the 1890s Milan was shaken by the Bava-Beccaris massacre, a riot related to a high inflation rate. Meanwhile, as Milanese banks dominated Italy’s financial sphere, the city became the country’s leading financial centre.
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
Historic B&W photos of Milan, Italy in 19th Century
