Final answer:
The Erie Canal contributed to economic growth, western settlement, expansion, and the enhancement of the United States transportation infrastructure, helping establish New York City as a key commercial center.
Step-by-step explanation:
The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 was a monumental event contributing to several significant developments in the United States. It fostered economic growth by drastically reducing the cost and time of shipping goods, which, in turn, opened the western territories to global markets. By connecting Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River, the canal enabled agricultural goods to reach industrializing East Coast cities efficiently. Furthermore, it encouraged western settlement and expansion, as new farms were established along its route, which deepened the internal development of the United States.
The canal's success also generated canal mania, prompting the construction of more canals that enhanced the country's transportation infrastructure and facilitated the movement of goods and people. Moreover, the involvement of state governments and private investors in canal construction reflected a widespread enthusiasm for improved transportation. Notably, the Erie Canal helped cement New York City's status as a commercial hub by linking it to the Great Lakes and beyond.