What was the Industrial Revolution? The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18 th to the 19 th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transport, and technology had a profound effect on the socioeconomic and cultural conditions starting in the United Kingdom, then subsequently spreading throughout Europe, North America, and eventually the world.
Turnpikes Privately funded, toll-based public road Constructed in the early nineteenth century to facilitate commerce. Developed national economy by creating faster and efficient transportation. Relied on for internal transportation Used to transport goods faster such as fruit and vegetables The North used the turnpikes to ship industrial goods A private company completed the Philadelphia-Lancaster Turnpike in 1794. The Great Western Turnpike
Why Turnpikes Are Important It would take people longer to get from point A to B; turnpikes made travel a lot easier and quicker Stopped the rapid deterioration in the condition of main roads Allowed road transport to move more efficiently and reliably Money raised by mortgaging the future toll income permitted substantial investment Road transport became the best means of carrying goods and people rapidly and safely between the booming towns of late 18 th and early 19 th century