The Transportation Revolution: Definition and Impact

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What was the significance of the Pacific Railway Act passed in 1862?

It established the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate railroad rates

It limited private funding for railroad construction

It funded the digging of canals to improve water transportation

It authorized the construction of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States (correct)

How did the extension of the railroad influence the economy in the United States?

It connected small farm towns and isolated communities to national markets, creating new economic opportunities (correct)

It caused a decrease in regional specialization

It resulted in reduced economic opportunities for land-locked states

It led to unnecessary competition among steamboat companies

What resulted from the unnecessary competition among different railroad companies in the late 19th century?

The construction of additional transcontinental railroads

A few powerful corporations monopolized the entire rail system (correct)

The establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission

The reduction in rates set by railroad companies

In what way did steamboats contribute to the transportation revolution in the 1800s?

They provided an efficient and cost-effective method of travel between the east and the west of the United States Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the state of New York funding a survey for a canal connecting Lake Erie with the Hudson River in 1808?

It initiated the construction of a canal connecting Lake Erie with the Hudson River Signup and view all the answers

What was a major result of the transportation revolution in the 19th century?

Increased trade between Pennsylvania and Louisiana Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant development in transportation after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?

Introduction of steamboats for shipping goods Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the establishment of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad Company?

Competition with New York merchants who had the Erie Canal Signup and view all the answers

What was a key challenge in transportation before the transportation revolution?

Lack of paved roads for easy travel Signup and view all the answers

What was the most important method of shipping goods in the interior of the nation for nearly half of the 19th century?

Canals connecting major waterways Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Erie Canal on the cost of shipping?

It dropped from $0.30 a ton per mile to $0.02 a ton per mile by 1830 Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the affordable transport of farmed goods from the western region have on New England farms?

It led to the shutdown of less productive farms in New England Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the rise of turnpikes in the early 1800s?

States and investors saw an opportunity to profit by collecting tolls from travelers using the roads Signup and view all the answers

What eventually surpassed better roads like turnpikes in providing quick and cost-effective options for travel and transport?

Construction of canals and railroads Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant benefit of the Erie Canal and turnpikes in the 1800s on the western regions of the United States?

They allowed for efficient travel and transport, leading to western expansion Signup and view all the answers

The Transportation Revolution: Definition and Impact

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