In the 1800’s, people needed goods to live, like coal, clothing and more. During this time, the need for all of these materials was desperate, but the problem was, moving big bulky and heavy materials like coal and grain took incredibly slow and very expensive, especially by horses or wagons. When canals started to become built in the 19th century, most noticed how much boats could carry. This improved the flow of resources leading to a more improved population in both rural and urban areas. Not only that but they were much faster, cheaper and efficient. 

Although, while canals made life much easier by reducing the time and expense of shipping goods, it also increases society's reliance on certain systems. Since most noticed how efficient canals started to become, there was a greater demand for goods, and more goods meant more factory work. As canals started to open up new trade routes, industries and businesses mainly relied on factory work and slave use. While canals were a major part of this time period and was a major technological advancement, it also increased the reliance of factory work.