Question

How did the location of Chicago influence its development?

A: Chicago was located near a major port and a conduit for the nation's east-west rail travel, providing residents with job opportunities. These job opportunities caused job-seeking immigrants to swarm into Chicago. Because so many immigrants settled in Chicago for its job opportunities, Chicago quickly became a booming industrial center for lumber, grain, meatpackaging, and mail-order businesses.

Answer 1

That's good -- but what about Lake Michigan? What about the canals and rivers that connected the lake with the Mississippi River?

Answer 2

Chicago is located near a major port and a conduit for the nation's east-west rail travel. It is also located near Lake Michigan, a lake that is connected to the Mississippi River by canals and rivers. These geographical features gleamed with job opportunities. Thus, job-seeking immigrants swarmed into Chicago. Because so many immigrants settled in Chicago for its job opportunities, Chicago quickly became a booming industrial center for lumber, grain, meatpackaging, and mail-order businesses.

Answer 3

Good!