How did roads, canals and railways transform the American economy in the 1800s? Responses Individual entrepreneurs initiated the bulk of new infrastructure building creating a new wealthy class. Individual entrepreneurs initiated the bulk of new infrastructure building creating a new wealthy class. New England remained an economic powerhouse that continued to dominate America. New England remained an economic powerhouse that continued to dominate America. After the Panic of 1819, economic growth steadily rebounded and brought stability to the working class. After the Panic of 1819, economic growth steadily rebounded and brought stability to the working class. A cash economy developed and income became the measure of economic worth. A cash economy developed and income became the measure of economic worth