why did early settlers in washington have few trade relationships with eastern states?
Early settlers in Washington had few trade relationships with eastern states primarily due to geographical factors and transportation limitations.
1. Distance and isolation: Washington is located on the far west coast of the United States, thousands of miles away from the eastern states. During the early settlement period, transportation and communication methods were significantly slower and less efficient than they are today. The long distance and difficult terrain made it challenging and time-consuming to establish trade routes with the eastern states.
2. Natural barriers: Washington state is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and rugged mountain ranges, such as the Cascades, to the east. These natural barriers made it impractical to transport goods overland, further hindering trade relationships with the eastern states.
3. Lack of infrastructure: In the early settlement period, Washington had limited infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports. Without proper transportation infrastructure, the movement of goods to and from the eastern states was logistically difficult. This lack of infrastructure acted as a barrier to establishing trade relationships.
4. Self-sufficiency: The early settlers in Washington relied heavily on the abundant natural resources found in the region, including fisheries, forests, and fertile land for agriculture. They were able to meet most of their needs locally, reducing the necessity for extensive trade relationships with the distant eastern states.
Overall, the combination of geographical distance, natural barriers, limited infrastructure, and self-sufficiency contributed to the early settlers in Washington having few trade relationships with eastern states.