Question

List and describe the geography of the New England colonies. How did geography impact economic development? What limitations did it create for farming? What industries led the economy, and what resources were traded? Write a paragraph describing commercial New England. If you were a small business owner in New England, what type of business would you own, and why?

Answer 1

The geography of the New England colonies led to a focus on industries like shipbuilding, whaling, and fishing, with trade being important due to limited capacity for large-scale farming.

Step-by-step explanation:

The geography of the New England colonies, characterized by long winters and rocky soil, was not conducive to large-scale farming. Instead, it impacted economic development by steering activities towards industries such as whaling, fishing, and shipbuilding. These industries led the New England economy, with fish and whale products, lumber, and ships being significant resources for trade. The limited agricultural capacity of the region meant that most farming was for self-sufficiency, with market agriculture playing a smaller role in the economy.

If operating as a small business owner in this environment, one might choose to engage in shipbuilding due to the region's expertise and demand for ships, or in trade, exporting local products and importing necessary goods not produced locally. In sum, the New England colonies' physical geography played a substantial role in shaping its industrial landscape and economic interactions.