Question

excerpt: erie canal opening (1825) \the erie canal stretched across new york, linking the atlantic seaboard to the great lakes. this man - made waterway reduced shipping costs dramatically and turned towns into thriving cities. farmers from the interior could now send goods eastward with ease. the canal became a symbol of american ingenuity and expansion.\
how did the erie canal contribute to expansionism in the u.s.? (standard 1.p, dok 3)
it reduced reliance on international trade
it discouraged migration westward
it promoted plantation slavery
it tied western farmers to eastern markets

Explanation:

The excerpt states that the Erie Canal allowed farmers from the interior (western areas) to send goods eastward with ease. This indicates a connection between western farmers and eastern markets.

• The first option about reducing reliance on international trade is not mentioned in the excerpt.
• The second option of discouraging westward migration is contrary to the idea of expansion (as the canal was part of expansion and would likely facilitate movement, not discourage it).
• The third option of promoting plantation slavery has no basis in the given text.

Answer:

It tied western farmers to eastern markets.