Final answer:
Steamboats dramatically reduced the cost of shipping goods by enabling upstream and downstream navigation with greater efficiency and lower transportation costs, leading to decreased prices for a wide array of products.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steamboats led to a decrease in the prices of goods by revolutionizing transportation in various significant ways. Prior to steam engines, shipping depended heavily on natural elements or animal power, making it costly and inefficient, particularly when transporting goods upstream. However, with the advent of steam power, it was possible to navigate rivers both downstream and upstream efficiently. This increased the speed of transportation, reduced reliance on wind and currents, and ultimately lowered transportation costs. Moreover, the increased capacity and reliability provided by steamboats fostered a boom in trade, as goods could be moved quicker and cheaper.