Final answer:
Opening trade routes to Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan was important due to the region's natural resources, reducing the spread of slavery, and facilitating industrialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opening a trade route to the areas that became Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan was important for several reasons:
- The region was rich in important natural resources and fertile farmland. This would allow for the growth of industries and agriculture, contributing to the economic development of the region.
- Stronger connections to the East would make the spread of slavery less likely. By integrating these areas into the trade routes, it would create more economic opportunities and diversify the economy, making it less reliant on a single industry like slavery.
- The people in the region wanted better transportation in order to industrialize. Opening trade routes would improve transportation infrastructure, allowing for easier movement of goods and people, which is essential for industrialization.
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