SUMMARY
1. The rise of the new states in the West, and the appearance of the steamboat on the Mississippi, were the causes of a great revival of public interest in internal improvements.
2. The first to build a great western highway was New York state, which, between 1817 and 1825, built the Erie Canal.
3. This cut down the cost of moving freight to the West, led to settlement along the banks of the canal, and made New York city the metropolis of the country.
4. It was during this period, 1815-1830, that many inventions, discoveries, and improvements were made in the arts and sciences.
5. The railroad was introduced, and the steam locomotive successfully used.
6. The cities grew, and in New York the omnibus and the street car began to be used.
The movement of population into the West.—The formation of new states there.—The rise of manufactures in the East.—The fine market the West offers for the products and importations of the Eastern States.
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Lead to great rivalry between the Atlantic seaboard cities for Western trade.
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This rivalry leads to the development of three routes to the West.
The New York Route.
1807. Steamboats on the Hudson.
1817-25. Erie Canal
1818. Steamboats on the Lakes.
Chautauqua Lake and Allegheny valley.
Effect of Erie Canal.
The Pennsylvania Route.
Old Conestoga wagons.
Effect of Erie Canal.
1827. Pennsylvania state canals and railroads.
The Portage Railroad.
The Baltimore Route.
1828. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad commenced.
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The expansion of the country.—The development of the steamboat, the railroad, and manufactures, and the increased opportunities for doing business.
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Lead to demand for labor-saving and time-saving machinery.
Hard-coal grate and stove.
Fire bricks.
Paper made from straw.
Brick-making machine.
Planing machine.
Platform scales.
Reaping machine.
Colt's revolver.
Sewing machine (Hunt).
Steel pens.
Threshing machine.
Telegraph (electric).
Steam printing press.
Matches, etc., etc.