Question

What was the goal of the Erie Canal Project?
What approach did European settlers in America often take toward their physical environment?
What effect do you think the Erie Canal had on the development of industry in New York State? On other canal projects in the united states?

Answer 1

1. It was the 'superhighway' of it's time. It was used to transport people and goods over an area that had few good roads at the time.

2. - Most post-colonial settlers sought out similar land / climate to their former homes... you see the Portuguese fishermen settle on the coasts so they can continue fishing... Germans often sought out rich farmland.
- Early Colonial settlers did their best to "conquer" the local environment, which was often harsh... an example would be the settlers of the Carolinas (English, French, and later German). They tried whatever agriculture would work in the harsh (non-European) climate of the Carolina Coast - rice, and cotton mostly... and of course they started using slaves due to the harsh climate and hard work required for those crops.
- Also, settlers tried to make things seem as "home-like" as possible even given differences in climate... home styles as much alike to their former nation, with adaptations for the local climate.

Answer 2

3. It was used to transport goods, there was a bit of gold in the canal for farmers, and it was a huge form of transport.

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