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Transportation Development From 1860 To 1900

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The period from 1860 to 1900 in the United States was marked by tremendous economic growth, and transportation played a critical role in sparking this development. During this time, the country underwent significant changes in terms of transportation infrastructure, which facilitated the movement of people, goods, and raw materials. This essay will discuss how and why transportation developments sparked economic growth during the period from 1860 to 1900 in the United States. One of the most significant transportation developments during this period was the expansion of railroads. The construction of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 connected the east and west coasts of the country, allowing goods and people to be transported quickly and efficiently. This expansion of railroads facilitated the growth of industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The railroads allowed farmers in the Midwest to transport their …show more content…

The Erie Canal, which opened in 1825, connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, allowing goods to be transported from the Midwest to New York City. The expansion of the canal system allowed for the transportation of goods such as coal, timber, and grain, which were essential for the growing industrial economy. The canal system also facilitated the growth of cities along its route, such as Buffalo and Rochester. The development of steamships was another significant transportation development during this period. Steamships allowed goods and people to be transported more quickly and efficiently than ever before. The steamship also facilitated the growth of international trade, as goods could be transported across the Atlantic Ocean more quickly and cheaply. This expansion of international trade fueled the growth of industries such as textiles, which relied on raw materials such as cotton that were grown in other parts of the

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