What were the consequences of the steamboats?

Answer 1

The introduction of steamboats revolutionized transportation and trade in the 19th century by enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods and people along rivers and inland waterways. This facilitated economic growth, particularly in the western United States, as it allowed for easier access to markets and resources. Additionally, steamboats contributed to urbanization, leading to the growth of port cities. However, they also had environmental impacts and played a role in the expansion of slavery, particularly in the cotton trade.