Final answer:
The Erie Canal was significant for the development of the nation as it lowered shipping costs, expedited westward travel, and helped establish New York as a commerce hub while fostering economic growth and western expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 was crucial to the development of the United States because it created a water highway that connected New York City's Hudson River with Lake Erie and the western markets. This connection significantly reduced the cost of shipping and decreased travel time to the West, which made New York City a major hub for commerce. The canal also facilitated the western settlement and expansion of the United States, particularly before the Civil War. It provided a pathway for agricultural goods to reach industrializing East Coast cities and stimulated economic growth by connecting the Northwestern territories to global markets.
State governments, recognizing the importance of transportation infrastructure, invested in these projects to improve economic opportunities. The construction of the Erie Canal, chartered by the state of New York and completed with a combination of state funds and private investment, demonstrated grass-roots enthusiasm for improved transportation systems. The canal, stretching 363 miles with thirty-six locks, was a technical achievement that established a model for other canals and transportation projects across the country, contributing to the United States' sense of progress.