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The Transportation Revolution. By Jordan Zabroski. Definition. The Transportation Revolution was a period of time where steam power, railroads, canals, roads, and bridges emerged as new forms of transportation in the 1800’s. Steamboats.
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The Transportation Revolution By Jordan Zabroski
Definition • The Transportation Revolution was a period of time where steam power, railroads, canals, roads, and bridges emerged as new forms of transportation in the 1800’s.
Steamboats • Robert Fulton demonstrated the possibility of steam powered boats. • His steamer made the trip on the Hudson River from New York to Albany and back in five days. • Although rafts and riverboats continued to carry agricultural products downstream, the steamboat easily moved against current.
Canals • The growing canal system connected major trading and manufacturing centers together. • These artificial waterways linked interior areas to natural waterways, providing a new form transportation. • In 1825 the Erie Canal, the first major canal project, was completed; spanned 363 miles and connected Buffalo and Albany, New York. The success of the Erie Canal started canal-building in both the East and the West. • In 1840 the United States had over 3,000 miles of canals. As a result, shipping costs dropped dramatically Westerners were now in supply of affordable eastern and foreign goods. • However, canals were expensive to make and were not well-maintained.
Railroads • As the canals slowed, railroads kicked into gear. in 1840 about 3,000 miles of track had been laid in America. • In 1860 a network of 30,000 miles linked most of the nation's major cities and towns • At first, they extended only short distances. • Eventually, extension and connection of short lines soon provided uninterrupted transportation over long distances.
Roads • The roads were rutted and muddy, roads through mountain passes were an easy solution for transportation. • In 1812, the government ordered there be a paved road “National Road” which reached from the Potomac River to the Ohio River. • The road was used for long distance travel.
Stagecoaches • A stagecoach is a type of covered wagon for passengers and goods. • Stagecoaches were very effective, and were pulled by horses.
Result • The Transportation revolution led to westward expansion. • It increased the population of cities that were previously separated due to location, which contributed to the rise of manufacturing and industrial development. • It helped create a national market. It increased the pace of business. It increased job opportunities. It reduced the costs of shipping, making products more accessible and reducing the cost.
Video • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8z21OQ5zGc