Sarah Berger Erin Herlihy Callia Kroll Emily Wartella
Developed substantial trade with the Native population of North America, with the French settlers to the north, and-to a lesser extent-with Spanish colonists to the south and west. Farming dominated all areas of European and African settlements. Chesapeake region= tobacco Georgia= rice South Carolina= rice and indigo Southern colonies developed less of a commercial or industrial economy than the colonies of the north.
New York, Pennsylvania and the Connecticut river valley were the chief supplies of wheat to parts of the south and New England. Almost every colonist engaged in a certain amount of industry. Examples are: cobblers, blacksmiths, riflemakers, cabinetmakers, silversmiths, and printers. Saugus Ironworks was established in the 1640s after the discovery of iron ore in the region Fur trading was eventually in decline and taking its place were lumbering, mining and fishing.
In some parts of America in the 17 th and 18 th century technology was rapidly advancing. Other parts were lacking in technology advancements. Few colonies were self sufficient due to slow moving advancements of technology. Only about half of the households in North America (not counting the natives) owned a gun. Elementary level tools were hard to make for some colonists. Due to technological limits a lot of colonists had no or little money.
American merchants faced such bewildering and intimidating objects. They managed to stay afloat only with great difficulty. It was near impossible to trade. No merchants could be certain that the goods would be sufficient quantity or finding adequate markets. West Indies had a lot of rum, agricultural products, meat, and fish. Mainland had a lot of sugar, molasses, and slaves. American products were furs, timber, and ships.
The rise of consumerism created new appetites and new opportunities. Advertising started in journals and in newspapers. With consumerism came the need of materials and things that were luxurious quickly became needs.