Question

Give the types of transportation innovations made during the Antebellum period (prior to the Civil War) and discuss their contributions to American economic growth and development.

Answer 1

Antebellum period started in the late 18th century and lasted till the start of the civil war in 1861. Antebellum basically means the time just before any war.

Transportation innovations during this period mainly consisted of railroads, steamboats and highways which led to massive movement of goods across US.

Railroads: After UK laid the first railroad system, United States was soon to follow. Railroads laid the foundation and soon became of prime importance as it was used for national goods transfer. Traffic was diverted from water routes and reduced transportation costs and time. It led to significant growth of the economy.

Steamboats: The invention of steamboats led to faster transport through the canals and cheaper produce being available across states. This also led to increase in trade with foreign nations, thereby increasing the efficiency of movement. It also led to reduction in the prices of goods as bulk produce was transported at one go.

Highways: Small and congested roads were transformed into highways which could prevent problems of traffic. It saved time in commuting and goods were transported faster helping in the economic growth and development.