The development of the United States and Canada was greatly influenced by their ability to ship goods overseas. The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 further increased the ease of shipping goods between the East and West coasts of the United States.
In Canada, The port of Montreal, in particular, was a major hub for shipping goods to and from Europe and the rest of the world. In the 20th century, the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 made it easier for ships to move in and out of the Great Lakes, further increasing the country's ability to trade with other countries.
In both the US and Canada, the ability to ship goods overseas also played a key role in the development of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry, as it allowed these industries to access global markets and expand their reach.