construction. Ericson was given the responsibility of devising a strategic network of main lines for the nation. By 1860, 527 km route miles were in operation. He resigned his post in 1862 and the strategic network

and took a role in the businesses. He saw transport and communications as vital investments for the nation. He founded, among other companies, the Copenhagen horse tramway company in 1865, the shipping company

assets represented 4 per cent of Italian gross national product, and it employed 3.1 per cent of the nation’s industrial workforce.