steam locomotive was the fastest mode of transportation. therefore it also was spread the fastest. In half a century it spread to almost all of US.
Explanation:
steam boats and canal system transportation were slow moving. the idea of a flat rail road was derived by horse drawn carts. All in all, without a doubt, steam locomotive has had the greatest long term impact on American economy ( even if several inventions and improvisations had to be made through ).
No because at the time the Union was already ahead in the war. Lincoln wanted to keep the Union as a whole with the passage of the 13th amendment it showed the Confederacy that they were already at a loss.
