Final answer:
Travel by water promoted wealth in the West by enabling maritime trade, bypassing costly land routes, and fostering the growth of new cities. The transportation revolution with canals and railways facilitated efficient trade and distribution, leading to economic growth and the emergence of a wealthy merchant class.
Step-by-step explanation:
Travel by water significantly contributed to the growth of wealth in various regions throughout history. Maritime trade fostered the growth of cities such as Venice, which flourished due to commerce with the East and Islamic merchants. European explorers sought new trade routes not only to bypass costly land passages but also to access the exotic and lucrative Spice Islands directly, avoiding intermediaries and reducing overhead costs. Furthermore, the transportation revolution in the United States, which included the construction of canals and railroads, made it easier and more affordable to ship agricultural products and manufactured goods, catalyzing the market revolution. Consequently, travel by water enabled the movement of goods on a large scale, leading to the accumulation of wealth by individuals, the creation of a wealthy merchant class, and the overall economic growth of the West.
In the context of the provided options, the most accurate answer would be that new cities grew up on the waterways, bringing wealth to the west (option 1). The development and expansion of canals and railways facilitated the distribution and sale of goods, promoted trade across distances, and supported the rise of new economic hubs. This infrastructure development laid the groundwork for the modernization of societies and fostered a growing merchant class. The ability to transport goods and people efficiently across waterways was a principal factor attributing to the economic prosperity of Western nations and the growth of their cities.