19th Century Transportation Development

Developments in transportation, rather than in manufacturing and agriculture sparked economic growth in America in the first half of the nineteenth century. The developments in transportation helped the economy of America to compete with European nations. There was much growth due to the new transportation systems of canals. With the creation of canals came a less expensive way for westerners to transport goods from the west. This also made it easier for Westerners to market their goods to the North because the journey was less of a hassle. The creation of the Erie Canal (July 4, 1917) sparked industrial development in the west where most people were farmers. The Erie Canal was a big success because it paid for itself within 7 years of