low did the Erie Canal impact trade between the East Coast and the Midwest? • It increased trade and reduced transportation costs ) It caused a decrease in trade and economic decline • It had no effect on trade • It led to a shift in trade to the West Coast
The correct answer is: It increased trade and reduced transportation costs.
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, connected the Great Lakes region to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. This significantly improved transportation between the East Coast and the Midwest, leading to an increase in trade and economic growth. The canal provided a more efficient and affordable route for transporting goods, reducing transportation costs and making trade between the two regions more feasible. As a result, the Erie Canal played a crucial role in promoting economic development in the Midwest and facilitating connections between the East Coast and the emerging markets of the Midwest.