Other than the fact that the U.S. economy subsisted on agriculture during the early 19th century, there were expansions that would make the agricultural field even bloom with more opportunities. This included the construction of canals and steamboats. This lead to a boost in the agricultural industry. Other than that, the poorer regions had to rely on growing their own food and selling their produce for money in order to survive. Because of these two factors, agriculture was the leading occupation during the 1800s.