Question

1. which of the following was a result of the construction of the erie canal?

trade decreased and unemployment increased.
new york city suffered an economic downturn.
new cities were built along the shores of the great lakes.
large numbers of people migrated from the northeast to the south.

Explanation:

Analyze the purpose of the Erie Canal

Using the Great Lakes Geography and Westward Expansion knowledge points
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, was built to connect the Hudson River at Albany, New York, to Lake Erie at Buffalo. This created a direct water route from the Atlantic Ocean and New York City to the Great Lakes region, facilitating trade and migration.

Evaluate the economic impact on New York

Using the Westward Expansion knowledge point
Instead of causing an economic downturn, the canal made New York City the premier commercial port in the United States. Trade and shipping volume increased dramatically, lowering transportation costs and boosting employment.

Evaluate regional development and urbanization

Using the Great Lakes Geography and Westward Expansion knowledge points
The canal opened up the interior of the country for settlement. It allowed goods and people to flow easily between the East Coast and the Midwest, leading directly to the rapid growth and establishment of new cities along the canal route and the shores of the Great Lakes (such as Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago).

Evaluate migration patterns

Using the Westward Expansion knowledge point
The canal facilitated migration from the Northeast toward the Midwest (the Old Northwest territory) rather than from the Northeast to the South.

Answer:

• (A) Trade decreased and unemployment increased.
• (B) New York City suffered an economic downturn.
• (C) New cities were built along the shores of the Great Lakes. (Correct answer)
• (D) Large numbers of people migrated from the Northeast to the South.