The Lancaster Turnpike and the National Road were both significant in the development of transportation in the United States, but there are some key differences between them:
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Improvement of transportation: Both promoted improved transportation, but they did so in different ways and contexts. The Lancaster Turnpike was an early toll road that connected Philadelphia to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, enhancing local trade. The National Road, on the other hand, was the first federally funded highway that extended westward from Maryland into the Ohio Territory, promoting national connectivity and migration.
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Bound different regions together: The National Road was specifically designed to connect the eastern United States with the western territories, facilitating the movement of people and goods across states. The Lancaster Turnpike primarily improved connectivity within Pennsylvania.
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Promoted westward expansion: The National Road explicitly aimed to promote westward expansion, making it easier for settlers to move into the western territories. While the Lancaster Turnpike improved transportation, its primary impact was more regional.
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Corduroy road: Corduroy roads were typically made from logs placed side by side to create a flat surface over wet or muddy terrain. The Lancaster Turnpike itself was not a corduroy road, but certain sections of the National Road included corduroy construction due to the challenging conditions it traversed.
Given these distinctions, only the National Road specifically "promoted westward expansion," making that statement accurate.