USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The completion of the Erie Canal spurred the first great westward movement of American settlers, gave access to the rich land and resources west of the Appalachians and made New York the preeminent commercial city in the United States.

Detailed explanation-2: -Built between 1817 and 1825, the original Erie Canal traversed 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo. It was the longest artificial waterway and the greatest public works project in North America. The canal put New York on the map as the Empire State-the leader in population, industry, and economic strength.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Erie Canal provided a direct water route from New York City to the Midwest, triggering large-scale commercial and agricultural development-as well as immigration-to the sparsely populated frontiers of western New York, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and points farther west.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Erie Canal played a major part in commerce in the history of the United States. Its creation helped to make New York City the chief port in the United States and opened the western part of the state and other western territories to increased settlement and trade.