Final answer:
The economic activities in colonial New Hampshire and Maine were shaped by the rugged terrain, less fertile soil, and vast forests. In New Hampshire, a mix of small-scale agriculture and ship-building emerged, while in Maine, the forested land led to a focus on manufacturing, especially wood products like paper.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical characteristics of the land in colonial New Hampshire and Maine significantly influenced the economic activities in those regions. The rugged terrain and less fertile soil north of Boston meant that these areas were less populated and less suitable for traditional farming as compared to the southern New England states. The vast forests and the availability of natural resources like timber played a crucial role in shaping the local economies.
In New Hampshire, sporadic settlements emerged, and much of the area was characterized by family farms, with a diverse economy that included agriculture on the available fertile lands, but also lumber and shipbuilding due to the abundance of timber. The ship-building industry in particular was a significant part of the economy in New England, as illustrated by images of New England colonists working on constructing ships.
Maine, being the most forested state in the United States, had its leading economic activity in manufacturing, especially paper and other wood products. This was largely due to about 90 percent of its land being forested, with areas like the Empty Quarter in western Maine hosting extensive privately owned forests without permanent human inhabitants. The manufacturing of these wood products became a primary economic activity, given the land's unsuitability for extensive farming.