By Jordan Zabroski

The Transportation Revolution

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.

Definition

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.

Steamboats

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.

Canals

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.

Railroads

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.

Roads

A stagecoach is a type of covered wagon for passengers and goods.

Stagecoaches were very effective, and were pulled by horses.

Stagecoaches

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.

Result

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8z21OQ5zGc

Video