AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: The Transportation Revolution (Day 89/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Transportation Revolution in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Population of the U.S. (1790, 1800, 1810, 1820), Library of Congress

The U.S. population doubled from 1800 to 1825 and then again from 1825 to 1850. 1⁄3 of the nation lived west of the Alleghenies. These demographic changes shifted the needs and goals of the U.S.

Roads, Canals, and Rails in the 1800s National Geographic

The American System included federal funding for internal improvements. The resulting changes to infrastructure created an efficient network for moving people, raw materials and manufactured goods and became known as the Transportation Revolution.

National Road, Wikimedia Commons

In this period, there was a significant increase in privately built roads and turnpikes that connected most of the country’s major cities, as well as the development of the National, or Cumberland Road.

Changes in Travel Times, Created by apushladyboss

Additionally, there was a frenzy of canal building and an emergence of railroad development that stimulated commercial growth. These additional methods of faster and cheaper transportation led to lower food prices, increased western immigration, and improved economic ties.

Support for the American System fueled the development of roads, canals, and railroads. These increased interactions and commercial exchanges throughout the expanding U.S. territory.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Market Revolution & Industry in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!