Question

The location of Midwestern cities on the shores of the Great Lakes or along major rivers has _____.

Answer 1

Aided the growth of heavy industries. Products could be shipped to distant buyers at low cost. The Great Lakes connect to the Atlantic Ocean via the St Laurence Seaway and the Erie Canal. The Great Rivers of the USA connect to the Gulf of Mexico.

Answer 2

the is "aided the growth of heavy industries"
.
hope this helps