I read the website links that Writeacher provided, but I am still struggling to answer the question below. ):
Why do you think canals were more common in the North than in other areas?
Historically canals were of immense importance to commerce and the development, growth and vitality of a civilization. [In the early years of the United States, how was the North different from the southern and western parts of the country? How far west did the US go in 1800? in 1825? in 1850? Why would canal development (or lack of canal development) matter during all that westward movement?] Modern canals are a mere remnant of the numbers that once fueled 17th–20th century industries and economies. The surviving canals today primarily service only bulk cargo and large ship transportation industries, whereas the once critical inland boat and barge canals have largely been supplanted, initially by faster and cheaper to maintain railways, later by using the flexibility and slope climbing capability of lorries.
What different things have replaced canals as major "roadways" to transport goods?