Not very long after America obtained its independence in 1776, an inconceivable age of growth began. Developments and improvements were occurring at an expedited rate. Changes that occurred in communications, transportation, and agricultural production caused the economy of the newly formed country to flourish and rise profoundly between the years of 1790 and 1860. The Industrial Revolution took place during this time period and contributed immensely to the technological advancements that stimulated the economic growth of America.
Communication Changes
Communication was mainly done face to face or by hand-written letters delivered by the post office in the development years of America. Benjamin Franklin founded the United States postal service in 1775 and methods of communication drastically changed in the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Improved road structures were put into place and this helped the postal service to deliver letters more quickly and smoothly. …show more content…
This form of transportation was very slow and the horses could only carry so much before being over encumbered. Major changes in transportation contributed to the growth of the American economy during the Industrial Revolution. The arrival of machinery and new inventions like the steam engine caused an economic explosion in the United States. The steam engine made it possible for steamboats and steam locomotives to be built. Boundless (2016) states, “In 1807, Robert Fulton built the first commercial steamboat, which operated between New York City and Albany” (para. 6). The invention of the steamboats and locomotives shortened import and export times exponentially while also increasing the amount of resources that could be moved during a single trip. Due to the reduced delivery time and increased carrying load, this too contributed to the growing economy in