Answer:
Erie Canal, was the first canal in the United States to connect western waterways with the Atlantic Ocean.
Its success propelled New York City into a major commercial center and encouraged canal construction throughout the United States. In addition, construction of the canal served as a training ground for many of the engineers who built other American canals and railroads in the ensuing decades.
The canal was an instant commercial and financial success. Pulled by mules or horses, canal boats were capable of carrying 30 tons of produce—far more than wagons—which lowered the cost of transporting products from Buffalo to New York City.
With ready access to markets, settlers moved into upstate New York and western territories. Towns, including Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, developed lively trade based on canal traffic.
Trade ran in both directions as manufactured goods from eastern cities were carried on the canal into western towns and villages. New York City in particular saw a dramatic increase in its trade and blossomed as a major trading center.
Explanation:
