Final answer:
The connection between Lake Ontario and the Hudson River through the Erie Canal was fundamental for facilitating trade and transportation, which allowed New York City to economically outperform its rival cities and supported western expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of connecting Lake Ontario with the Hudson River lay in the need to facilitate trade and transportation. This connection was achieved through the construction of the Erie Canal, greatly boosting the commerce of New York City by providing it with an efficient trade route to the West. The canal was not only a feat of engineering but a significant economic driver, enhancing New York's competitive edge over other cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore. The trade route ensured that agricultural products and goods could move to and from global markets more quickly and inexpensively, playing a key role in the regional and national economy.
Chartered in 1817 by the state of New York, the Erie Canal was completed in 1825 after seven years of development. Upon opening, it reduced the cost of shipping and travel time significantly, leading to over $15 million worth of goods being transported annually. Moreover, the canal's strategic relevance was not only commercial but also catalytic to the western settlement, aiding the expansion of the United States. Hence, option B, 'To facilitate trade and transportation,' why it was important to connect Lake Ontario with the Hudson River.