Steamboats were crucial for transporting goods and people across rivers and lakes. Before steamboats, travel was slow and difficult. It could take weeks to travel from one place to another. With steamboats, travel was much faster and more efficient. This made it possible for businesses to transport their goods to market more quickly and for people to travel more easily.
Railroads
Railroads were the other major transportation development during the Industrial Revolution. Railroads allowed for the transportation of goods and people over long distances. This made it possible for businesses to expand their reach and for people to move to new areas of the country. Railroads also helped to connect different parts of the country, which contributed to the growth of the national economy.