Erie Canal was essential to the growth of America.  It opened opportunities in America of increasing trade, commerce and settlement.  The canal was also used a place where social reform like abolitionism, women’s rights and various other movements flourished in the canal passageway.

The canal influenced New York City because it helped increase trade. The influx of people traveling upstate opened new markets and easier ways to get there and back, it also helped increase the physical growth of cities along the canal route.  New York City being closer to Europe became the gateway to resources of the Midwest. Empowering NYC through its ability to transport and exchange goods it became the financial capital of the nation.