I think the answer is yes.
The Most Common Way to move freight by 1850, were Trains.
Quote:'From 1830-1860, Railroads appeared as the Main Means of Transportation.'<span />
The factor that helped both areas become so socially diverse, technologically advanced and wealthy was their central location. From their shores or land borders they could easily reach almost any country in the AfroEurasian continents. Also India, and somewhat China were very interested in outside cultures and embraced them with open arms.