- Facilitated trade: Canals allowed for the efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods and people between the East Coast and the Great Lakes region. This stimulated commerce, increased agricultural productivity, and accelerated the development of the Midwest and the Western territories.
- Expansion of agriculture: Canals enabled farmers in the Midwest to transport their surplus crops to Eastern markets, leading to increased agricultural production and economic growth in rural areas.
- Industrial development: Canals provided access to raw materials and markets, fostering the growth of industries in the Midwest and Western territories. Cities like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Chicago emerged as major industrial hubs.
Social and political impact:
- Settler migration: Canals attracted settlers to the West by providing a reliable and relatively comfortable means of transportation. The Erie Canal alone is credited with bringing over 5 million settlers to the region.
- Economic opportunities: The construction and operation of canals created jobs and opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, further encouraging migration to the West.
- Development of infrastructure: Canal building involved engineering innovations and infrastructure development, which set the stage for future transportation projects and contributed to the overall advancement of the nation's infrastructure.
Strategic importance:
- Military transportation: Canals served as vital routes for military supplies and troops during conflicts such as the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.
- National unity: The construction and use of canals fostered a sense of national unity and economic interdependence among different regions of the country.
Overall, canals played a pivotal role in facilitating westward expansion by enabling trade, agriculture, industry, and migration, ultimately contributing to the economic and social development of the United States.