Final answer:
Canal and railroad construction during the 1st Phase of Industrialization served to improve transportation and fuel economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of canal and railroad construction during the 1st Phase of Industrialization was to improve transportation and fuel economic growth.
Canals were built to connect different regions, allowing for the efficient movement of goods and resources. For example, the Erie Canal in the United States connected the Great Lakes to the eastern seaboard, opening up markets for Northwestern territories and contributing to the economic development of the region.
Railroads, on the other hand, were faster and more flexible than canals. They provided a more efficient means of transportation, connecting port cities to the interior and stimulating demand for coal, iron, and steel. Railroads played a crucial role in the growth of American commerce and provided new job opportunities.