Question

What were the effects of building the Erie Canal?

It helped inspire the creation of the National Road.

It helped make New York City into a major trading port.

It effectively linked Lake Erie with the Potomac River.

It drastically reduced the cost of moving goods.

It cut down on the time it took to travel from east to west.

Answer 1

Correct effects:
- It helped make New York City into a major trading port. (The canal connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and Atlantic trade, funneling western goods through NYC.)
- It drastically reduced the cost of moving goods. (Canal transport was far cheaper than overland wagons.)
- It cut down on the time it took to travel from east to west. (Canal routes were faster and more reliable than the rough roads.)

Incorrect statements:
- It helped inspire the creation of the National Road. (The National Road was authorized and begun before the Erie Canal; the canal did inspire many later state canal and road projects, but not the National Road.)
- It effectively linked Lake Erie with the Potomac River. (The Erie Canal linked Lake Erie to the Hudson River, not the Potomac.)