Construction

Definition

Construction refers to the process of building infrastructure, including roads, canals, bridges, and buildings, which played a crucial role in the development of the economy during the Market Revolution. This era saw an increase in construction projects that facilitated transportation and communication, leading to enhanced trade and economic growth. It also marked a shift in how people interacted with their environment, as urbanization grew alongside these new developments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Market Revolution prompted a surge in construction projects aimed at improving transportation networks, leading to more efficient trade routes.
2. Canals such as the Erie Canal were significant feats of construction that connected previously isolated regions and spurred economic growth.
3. The rise of steam-powered machinery greatly influenced construction techniques and timelines, allowing for quicker and larger-scale building efforts.
4. Federal and state governments began investing in infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy, demonstrating the importance of construction in national policy.
5. Construction during this period also reflected changing social dynamics, as new buildings catered to urban populations and their emerging lifestyles.

Review Questions

• How did construction during the Market Revolution change the economic landscape of the United States?
  • Construction during the Market Revolution significantly altered the economic landscape by enhancing transportation networks and facilitating trade. Projects like canals and roads improved access between rural and urban areas, allowing for quicker movement of goods and people. This led to increased market accessibility, which stimulated local economies and fostered regional specialization.
• Evaluate the impact of major construction projects like the Erie Canal on both regional economies and national connectivity during this time.
  • Major construction projects like the Erie Canal had profound effects on regional economies and national connectivity. The Erie Canal reduced transportation costs dramatically, linking the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes and enabling goods to flow more freely between interior states and coastal markets. This not only boosted local economies by creating jobs but also established New York as a key commercial hub, enhancing overall national integration.
• Analyze how construction practices evolved during the Market Revolution and how this evolution influenced societal changes in America.
  • During the Market Revolution, construction practices evolved due to advancements in technology and materials. The introduction of steam power allowed for faster completion of projects and larger structures, while innovations like steel reinforced concrete emerged later in the period. This evolution in construction not only met the demands of a growing population but also influenced societal changes by promoting urbanization, altering lifestyles with new housing developments, and shaping public spaces that reflected changing social values.

Related terms

Industrialization:

The process of transforming an economy from agricultural-based to one based on the manufacturing of goods, often linked to increased construction activities.

Urbanization:

The movement of populations from rural areas to urban centers, often driven by economic opportunities created through construction projects.

Transportation Infrastructure:

The fundamental facilities and systems that support transportation, including roads, bridges, and railroads, crucial for facilitating trade during the Market Revolution.