11.
The Erie Canal and its economic consequences
The Erie Canal affected the United States economically, politically and socially. It
was one of the most important constructions in the 19th century in the United
States.
The Erie Canal was built from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. It improved the
economy in some cities in New York such as Buffalo Lockport, and Rochester. It lead
New York to industrialization. It decreased the cost of transporting goods.
Previously, New York was mostly small villages and farms. After the Erie Canal, new
towns have been constructed and New York City became the fasted growing city. It
made the port of New York the busiest in the nation. The population went from about
1,500 to 36,400. But by 1850, the population of New York was about three million.
The Erie Canal cut the cost of shipping and improved the economy of the area. It
brought New York luxury goods and many tourists. Some people viewed it as
revolutionary.
The building of the Erie Canal helped to launch New York State into the forefront of
trade and it became a dominant commercial center.
What did it transport?
The Erie Canal mainly transported lumber(faáru) and farm goods such as flour,
wheat, salt, fruits, and vegetables.
Not only did the Erie Canal ship goods from farmers but it also offered a quicker
passage from Western New York to New York City and vice versa.
Travel from Lake Erie to NewYork City became faster and cheaper with theErie
Canal.
The economic value of the Erie Canal is immeasurable.
It allowed New York City to establish a trade position and become one of the
world's dominant commercial centers.
People and products moved West, creating a market for produce in the
Midwest.
Populations boomed.
People using the canal needed supplies for their trip such as food, places to
stay, and equipment which created businesses as well as jobs along the
canal route.
The canal increased land values, provided jobs, decreased costs, and
increased production which in turn allowed the population to expand and grow
in the "frontier" land of western New York and Pennsylvania
When constructed in 1825 between Buffalo and Albany, the Erie Canal cost less than
$7 million and created thousands of jobs. Nearly two centuries later, the canal still
plays a significant role in the economy and way of life of Upstate New York. Not only
does it serve as a commercial and recreational waterway but much of the towpath of
the legendary canal has been transformed into the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail
(ECT)
Positive and Negative Effects of the Erie Canal
Positive Effects:
Dramatic Decrease in Shipping Prices
In the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was sweeping all over civilized
countries. The United States was one of those countries. This called for an
improvement in product transportation, and the steamboat was quickly rising to the
top. However, not many rivers were large enough the accommodate the bulky
steamboat and its cargo. Thus, canals had be dug out and built. One of the first of
these was the Erie Canal. This amazing feat of engineering decreased the price of
shipping a ton of cargo by 1900%, from 19 cents to 1. This allowed manufacturing
companies to make huge profits, bolstering the economy of New York overnight. This
example set by New York encouraged many other companies to move to the New
York to benefit from the decreased transportation costs.
Population Increase
The Erie Canal did more than attract companies and businesses. Immigrants and
Americans were moving to New York for work and lower transportation costs. What
they did not realize until too late was that the working conditions were unhealthy, and
dangerous. These working conditions were subject to protest by writers, artists, and
workers. While the large influx of workers benefited the economy of New York, the
governor was not prepared for the unintended effects it would have afterwards.
Negative Effect:
Overcrowding
While the initial boom in population helped provide low-wage workers for the building
of the Erie Canal and factories, the city was not growing fast enough to
accommodate so many people. This quickly resulted in widespread disease like
cholera, which spread through feces and water. The Erie Canal assisted in the
spread of this disease. It became so common that disease pandemics were
consistent amongst adjacent cities. Initially, it was thought cholera was caused by
eating raw veggies and unripe fruit. It was not until scientists had found the actual
cause of cholera that the number of victims was finally reduced.
Crime and Rowdiness
The high population in New York and cities adjacent to the Erie canal were prone to
high crime levels. The lack of police and firefighters made crime levels increase
uncontrollably, leaving many citizens victim to muggings, verbal assaults, and abuse.
Sailors that sailed along the Erie canal were notorious for their mouth and violence.
Other than sailors, low-wage workers who were not paid enough to even survive
resorted to theft and burglary to get by. Eventually, police organizations were formed
and crime was reduced, but crime is still present in New York in large numbers.
