Final answer:
The Industrial Revolution dramatically changed people's concept of distance in England due to the introduction of the railway system, which made travel faster and more efficient, and the subsequent urbanization that brought people closer together physically and socially.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major change that affected people's concept of distance in England was the Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th. One of the most profound impacts of the Industrial Revolution was the dramatic improvement in transportation infrastructure, notably the railway system.
The first passenger railway between Manchester and Liverpool, established in 1830, allowed people to travel with unprecedented speed and efficiency, marking a decline in the felt distance between places.
The urbanization that followed the Industrial Revolution is another key element that brought dramatic changes in concepts of distance. Cities like Manchester grew exponentially as people migrated from rural to urban areas seeking work and a better life.
Not only did the physical distance feel reduced due to faster travel, but social and economic structures were also transforming the national and global landscape. Consequently, the vast improvement in transportation technology made every place on earth feel closer together than ever before.