Process Paper

          At first our group struggled to find a topic that we would be able to find a lot of information on, and would not be picked by many other groups. At first we bounced off of ideas like I-75 and the Model-T, but later we found out that those ideas would make the project significantly harder for us. In the end we decided on an idea that was very close to home, the Erie Canal. 

           Our group began by meeting at our local library to look for books as well as use the computers available to everyone. We began to pile up our research into documents that we would use on our website. We continued to use mainly online sources that would greatly increase the quality of our website. Later we were forced to use our own computers but eventually got all of the resources that we would need.

         In the beginning, our group could not compromise on what type of project we would create. Two of our members really wanted to create a website, while the other two wanted an exhibit and documentary. We eventually decided to take a vote, which ended in a 3 votes for the website. When we began to create our website, we first had to get accustomed to the format. At first we really struggled on placing things where we wanted them. Eventually the two members creating pages got used to the format, and creating pages became really easy. Once all pages were created, we began to input our information that we had on google documents into the separate slides. After all information was on the website, we scoured the internet for photos that would really blend with our website.

         Overall, the Erie Canal really did have a huge impact on the United States. In the 1800’s the U.S. did not have many ways to transport the goods that they created, as well as a way to easily settle in the interior of the Northwest. The Erie Canal changed a lot of that. With the amount of goods that were being traded, many major cities began to emerge along the Erie Canal, especially in New York. The way the canal changed the lives of many people was amazing, and the barriers that it had broken were enormous.