What occurred as a direct result of canal construction in the eastern United States in the mid-1800s?

Shipping costs between major cities dropped sharply.

Explanation:

The construction of canal began in the eastern United States in 1817 and was completed in 1825. The canal was 350 miles long between the Great Lakes and the Hudson River.

By bringing the rivers within reach of the markets, it connected Lake Erie and the Great Lakes system to the Hudson River, and gave the western states direct access to the Atlantic Ocean without shipping goods downstream on the Mississippi River to New Orleans which reduced shipping costs between major cities.

The construction of the canal eventually led to industrialization as it boosted the development of many small industrial enterprises. It also made New York City the destination of goods and financial center for the nation.