The lecture is dedicated to the railways that changed trade, industry, everyday life, and the very rhythm of life in the Russian Empire. In the second half of the 19th century, the railway became a symbol of change. It connected remote provinces, accelerated trade, opened new routes for people and goods, and at the same time changed the usual way of life. Where stations appeared, cities grew faster, industrial centers developed, and new professions emerged. The very logic of movement across the country changed. In the lecture by Evgeny Melekhov, we will discuss how railways became the most important tool for the economic and cultural unification of the Russian Empire. Listeners will learn why they were called "steel threads" and how they helped connect vast spaces. The focus will be on the Russian merchant class-a social group that closely monitored technical and social changes and actively participated in the development of new infrastructure. The lecture will interest those who are passionate about the history of Russia, urban culture, transportation, and how technical innovations change society. On our website, we share information about free events in Moscow.