I was thinking about the [1177 BC Collapse of the Bronze Age] (https://www.reddit.com/r/Documentaries/comments/60w3tj/1177_bc_the_year_civilization_collapsed_2016_eric/) and and question if bronze was the underlying driver of the age or if some technology in boats that allowed for a highly connected, productive area around the Mediterranean sea.
Why isn't this economic analogy, of inland water ways of the US in the 1800's. Once you had a cheap, consistent transportation system, that links population together, you start a positive economic cycle that can last centuries. http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthewater/exhibition/4_4.html
edit: My question is really about the collapse, not some semantic question about wording.