Growing Infrastructure

Question 8 • FL-2100010-M/J United States History A-CR

Why was the construction of the Cumberland Road in 1818 controversial?

Answer

Many people believed the Cumberland Road would draw industry away from the North to the southern states.

Many Americans believed the Cumberland Road was not needed to promote settlement in the Northwest Territory.

Some people thought it was unfair to use federal money to build a road that would only benefit a small number of Americans.

Opponents feared the Cumberland Road would destroy the economies of towns along the Potomac and Ohio rivers.

Explanation

The Cumberland Road was funded by the federal government, raising debate over whether Congress had the authority to spend national money on internal improvements. Critics also argued that the road’s benefits would be limited to the people and regions it served, while taxpayers across the country helped pay for it. Therefore, the correct choice is C: some people thought it was unfair to use federal money to build a road that would benefit only a small number of Americans.

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