Part 7/9:
The train served as a column of diplomacy whereby business people, politicians, and royalty could traverse the continent, often engaging in pivotal negotiations while onboard. Notably, Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism, utilized the train frequently to negotiate for the establishment of a Jewish state.
Legacy: The Impact of the Orient Express
Ultimately, the legacy of the Orient Express lies not just in its innovation in railway travel, but also in how it fostered cultural understanding between various nations at a time when borders were heavily guarded. Nagelmackers showed that travel could be more than a mere commute; it could serve as a bridge across divides—both physical and societal.