Transportation Revolution

Lecture 2: Transportation Revolution

Take notes on new developments in transportation that took place during the early 1800s

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Improvements in ​

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contributed to the success of the new American industries. Between 1800 and 1850, crews built thousands of miles of ​

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and canals. By connecting lakes and rivers, canals opened new shipping routes. In 1807 inventor​

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launched his first steamboat, the Clermont, on the Hudson River. Steamboats made fast upstream travel possible. They carried goods and ​

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more cheaply and quickly along inland waterways than flatboats or sail-powered vessels did.

Changing Transportation

Improvements in transportation contributed to the success of the new American industries. Between 1800 and 1850, crews built thousands of miles of roads and canals. By connecting lakes and rivers, canals opened new shipping routes. In 1807 inventor Robert Fulton launched his first steamboat, the Clermont, on the Hudson River. Steamboats made fast upstream travel possible. They carried goods and passengers more cheaply and quickly along inland waterways than flatboats or sail-powered vessels did.

Work began in 1811 in Cumberland, Maryland. The start of the War of 1812 with Great Britain halted construction. As a result, the road's first section, which ran from Maryland to Wheeling in present-day West Virginia, did not open until 1818.

1806- Congress approved funds for a national road

1807 inventor Robert Fulton launched his first steamboat, the Clermont. Steamboats made fast upstream travel possible. They carried goods and passengers more cheaply and quickly along inland waterways than flatboats or sail-powered vessels did.

​1807- Robert Fulton, Steamboat

Improvements in transportation provided benefits to both businesses and consumers. Farmers and manufacturers could now move goods faster and more cheaply. As a result, consumers could purchase them at lower prices than in the past.

1825-Opening of the Erie Canal

By 1860, the United States had tracks totaling 31,000 miles (49,890 km), mostly in the North and Midwest.

1829- First steam powered locomotive with passangers

Clipper ships got their name because they "clipped" time from long journeys. Before the clippers, the voyage from New York to Great Britain took about 21 to 28 days. A clipper ship could usually cut that time in half.

1840s- Clipper Ships

The railroads also played an important role in the settlement of the Midwest and the growth of its industry. Fast, affordable train travel brought people into Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The populations of these states grew.

1860-Railroads connect East and West

Multiple Choice

How did the National Road play a role in the increase in population?

• The National Road had no impact on population growth as it was not widely used.
• The National Road led to a decrease in population as settlers were deterred by the difficult terrain.
• The National Road caused a decrease in population due to increased traffic congestion.
• provided easier access to new territories and opportunities, attracting more settlers

Multiple Choice

Who invented the steamboat for travel in the United States?

• Thomas Edison
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Benjamin Franklin
• Robert Fulton

Multiple Choice

What bodies of water did the Illinois and Michigan Canal connect?

• Lake Michigan and Ohio River
• Illinois River and Mississippi River
• Illinois River and Lake Michigan

• Chicago River and Hudson River

Multiple Choice

How did the clipper ships get their name?

• Due to the sound they made when sailing at high speeds
• In honor of the inventor of the first clipper ship
• From the shape of their sails resembling a clip
• From the phrase 'to clip along', meaning to move swiftly or quickly.

Multiple Choice

Which region might have the advantage in more easily transporting goods and people?

• north

• south

• west

• southwest

Multiple Choice

The opening of the Erie Canal has what impact on the price of shipping goods?

• Increased the price of shipping goods
• Had no impact on the price of shipping goods
• Caused a temporary decrease in the price of shipping goods
• Lowered the price of shipping goods