Question

The Erie Canal contributed to the development

of the United States by
(1) eliminating the need for railroads
(2) linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Coast
(3) becoming the major trade route to California
(4) allowing southern planters to ship their
cotton westward

Answer 1

The Erie Canal contributed to the development of the United States by "(2) linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Coast" which greatly increased trade and transportation.