What Factors Led To Economic Growth Of The Early Nineteenth Century

There are various reasons that led to economic growth in the beginning of the nineteenth century. These reasons are divided into six contributing factors: Capital, Cotton Textile Production, Manufacturing, Transportation, Population and Urbanization, and Westward Expansion. Each factor had an unprecedented contribution to America’s economy and helped pave the future of the country’s economic success. Following the end of the War of 1812 against the British, trade resumed between the latter and America. During the War of 1812, America realized that not having an established national bank caused economic debt and many financial crises. Learning from their consequences, many American political leaders decided that the country was in a desperate
There were several innovations introduced in the 1800’s which include roads, canals, railroads, steamboats, and ocean shipping. Roads were initially constructed in order to transport goods in wagons. They later developed into toll roads and interstate highway systems. Toll roads encouraged financial success as people were required to pay a toll in order to enter or exit the roadway. The National Road was the first public highway and its construction triggered a major controversy between federal and state power. Many people questioned whether highways should be paid for by the federal government or whether states should contribute to the construction. The states ultimately paid for majority of the cost. The National Road traveled from New Jersey all the way to San Francisco, California. An additional interstate highway was the Coastal Road which traveled along the east coast of the United States. Construction of canals were soon introduced, the Erie Canal being most significant. It extended over 360 miles connecting Buffalo to Albany, New York. The Erie Canal introduced New York as a major trading center and shipping port. Canals appeared more efficient as they transported goods for less money and people along America’s river systems. Soon after, railroads helped revolutionize as it replaced canals as the major form of transportation. Railroads
As conveyed previously, various forms of transportation allowed America to expand towards the west. In addition to this, the removal of the Native Americans augmented the country, allowing the government to obtain foreign territories such as Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois, and Alabama. Since more land was obtained, this meant that there was more land mass to farm and construct factories and cities. Soil further West grew specific crops therefore introducing the economy to different crops that could be exported. Raising livestock within the West later evolved into the meat packing industry which stimulated the economy significantly as more people desired to consume