Process Paper
When choosing our topic, we faced much difficulty because we wanted to not only choose a topic that would fit well under the theme of Exploration, Encounter and Exchange, but one that we all found a common interest and desire to learn more about. Additionally, we wanted to pick a topic that would stand out amongst an array of projects about explorers, or actual exploration exhibitions. We concluded that the Erie Canal would be a viable topic. It is a strong topic, with lasting effects, to make it extremely relevant to this year's themes, while still being unique. Furthermore, we realized that this coming year, 2017, is the bicentennial of the beginning of the canal's construction, leaving even more reason to reflect on its vital contributions to America.
We began our research by going to our local library and viewing all the books having to do with New York state history, as well as the canal itself. Although there were not many books pertaining to this specific topic, we were able to establish our understanding of the topic, which we would expand upon as our research continued. We began to look at websites, statistics, and demographics, allowing us to fully appreciate the effects of this canal on America. We searched for other historians who were experts on this subject in order to gain different perspectives on the building and effects of the canal, again working to expand our knowledge.
Being that we all had experience in generating a website for a National History Day competition, it was clear that we would favor making a website over the other categories of the project. Additionally, there are multitudes of beautiful images, drawings, and paintings depicting the Erie Canal, and we decided that a website would be the way to display them. We also were able to use more charts and graphs consisting of demographic and statistical information through the use of a website.
The Erie Canal is arguably one the most important structures in all of United States History. It encouraged a broader exploration of the United States, as well as exploring new possibilities in technology to a revolutionary extent. While building the canal, those in charge faced controversy in its construction, as well as dealing with those who did not want the canal to be built. The complications involved in the construction of the canal were endless, as workers faced extremely tough conditions. The canal boosted economic exchange drastically, making New York City an enormous trading center. Additionally, cultural diffusion persisted along the canal, making the melting pot of the world even more diverse.
We began our research by going to our local library and viewing all the books having to do with New York state history, as well as the canal itself. Although there were not many books pertaining to this specific topic, we were able to establish our understanding of the topic, which we would expand upon as our research continued. We began to look at websites, statistics, and demographics, allowing us to fully appreciate the effects of this canal on America. We searched for other historians who were experts on this subject in order to gain different perspectives on the building and effects of the canal, again working to expand our knowledge.
Being that we all had experience in generating a website for a National History Day competition, it was clear that we would favor making a website over the other categories of the project. Additionally, there are multitudes of beautiful images, drawings, and paintings depicting the Erie Canal, and we decided that a website would be the way to display them. We also were able to use more charts and graphs consisting of demographic and statistical information through the use of a website.
The Erie Canal is arguably one the most important structures in all of United States History. It encouraged a broader exploration of the United States, as well as exploring new possibilities in technology to a revolutionary extent. While building the canal, those in charge faced controversy in its construction, as well as dealing with those who did not want the canal to be built. The complications involved in the construction of the canal were endless, as workers faced extremely tough conditions. The canal boosted economic exchange drastically, making New York City an enormous trading center. Additionally, cultural diffusion persisted along the canal, making the melting pot of the world even more diverse.