Transportation in the 19th Century During the first half of the 19th century, improvements in transportation developed rather quickly. Roads, steamboats, canals, and railroads all had a positive effect on the American economy. They also provided for a more diverse United States by allowing more products to be sold in new areas of the country and by opening new markets. Copied from ideas begun in England and France, American roads were being built everywhere. In …showed first 75 words of 575 total…

…showed last 75 words of 575 total…pound), it was now a common item. The steamboat reduced the price by over thirteen cents. Also, our new transportation system helped other regions work together. And aside from material items, our country benefited economically from tourism. Any tourist to the New York area would not miss "The Great Western Canal." So although manufacturing did have a significant role in developing the American economy, it is because of transportation that manufacturing could have ever improved.