Answer:
Opening of the Erie Canal in 1825
Step-by-step explanation:
The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 greatly contributed to Detroit becoming a major hub of shipping and trade. The canal connected the Great Lakes region to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, providing a direct water route for goods and people. This transportation link opened up opportunities for Detroit to participate in the growing trade networks of the time. The Erie Canal facilitated the movement of goods, especially agricultural products, between the Midwest and the East Coast, boosting Detroit's economy and establishing it as an important center for shipping and trade.