What Difference Could a Waterway Make?: And Other Questions about the Erie Canal (Six Questions of American History)

"The titular six questions in each book are clearly stated and are the guiding questions for its chapters. Authors include sufficient background and enough detail to answer the queries; and sidebars, quotes, primary-source excerpts, and period art and contemporary photos augment the texts. Although these topics have received wide coverage in extant titles, and the books offer little new information, the question-and-answer format will help readers identify and understand each topic's most salient aspects and will sharpen their nonfiction reading skills, making the books attractive options." --School Library Journal, Series Made Simple

In the early 1800s, many Americans living in the eastern states wanted to explore the western frontier. Vast amounts of land and resources lay to the west—but the Appalachian Mountains formed a huge wall stretching from Canada to Georgia. How could Americans cut through it? Who could create a workable plan? What overwhelming challenges did the workers face? Discover how the Erie Canal opened the passage to the West, bringing people new opportunities for trade and expansion.