Final answer:
Western commercial cities grew rapidly in the 1830s due to the steam engine's ability to free factories from water sources, causing a rise in industrialization and urbanization. Core industries like steel in Pittsburgh and pork processing in Cincinnati shaped each city's character, while New Orleans thrived on slave labor and the cotton trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
Western commercial cities such as Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and New Orleans grew rapidly in the 1830s primarily due to technological advancements and the rise of industrialization. The development of the steam engine made it possible for factories to be located away from water sources, allowing these cities to become central hubs for manufacturing and industry. As cities evolved, each developed unique characteristics based on their core industries, with Pittsburgh being known for steel, and Cincinnati for pork processing.
New opportunities and the transition to a market economy attracted large numbers of people seeking employment in these newly industrialized urban centers. In addition, the influx of immigrants, many of whom settled in cities for work, contributed to the rapid urban population growth. While cities offered new economic opportunities, rapid expansion also brought challenges such as housing, transportation, and communication issues.
New Orleans, for instance, experienced a transformation due to slave labor, cotton, and steamship usage, ascending to a metropolis rivalling the importance of New York. These cities became critical as commercial centers, drawing in those in search of employment and wealth.