How did improved infrastructure in the form of roads, canals and railroads change the daily life of Americans? Responses As the cost of overland transportation decreased the diversity of goods available for purchase increased allowing for people in the west to buy goods made in the east. As the cost of overland transportation decreased the diversity of goods available for purchase increased allowing for people in the west to buy goods made in the east. Due to the advancement in farming technology farmers' income improved leading to the rise of the middle class. Due to the advancement in farming technology farmers' income improved leading to the rise of the middle class. Many Midwest settlers became more isolated as they rarely visited neighbors anymore to trade items they grew and made. Many Midwest settlers became more isolated as they rarely visited neighbors anymore to trade items they grew and made. As a result of new mechanized farming equipment being widely available, child labor was no longer a concern