How did geography influence the way the English colonies developed?
The first English colonies developed along the Atlantic coast of North America which gave them the quickest access to the mother country and vice versa.
They also tended to find good harbors, particularly at the mouths of rivers which gave them access to the interior. This was before the age of railroads, cars, trucks and planes so the fast and easy way to get around was by boat even if you did not have to take heavy cargo with you. Notice that the colonies were east of the mountains. It was tough walking or even riding a horse over the mountains and you certainly did not want to carry much with you getting across so penetration to the west waited for the Erie Canal and real roadways later after the Revolution.
(I build ships by the way :)
Geography played a significant role in influencing the development of the English colonies in North America. The geography of the region, including the abundant natural resources, topography, and climate, shaped the economic activities, settlement patterns, and social structures of the colonies.
Here's how you can understand the influence of geography on the development of the English colonies:
1. Natural Resources: The availability of natural resources influenced the economic activities of the colonies. For example, the New England colonies had rocky soil and a colder climate, which made agriculture challenging. Instead, they focused on activities like fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. The Southern colonies, on the other hand, had fertile land and a warmer climate, making them suitable for cash crop plantations, especially of crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo.
2. Climate and Agriculture: The geography influenced the types of crops that could be grown in the colonies. The warmer climate of the Southern colonies allowed for the cultivation of cash crops on large plantations, which drove their economy and fostered the development of a plantation-based society, dependent on slave labor. In contrast, the colder climate of New England limited agricultural opportunities, leading to a more diverse economy based on trade, shipbuilding, and small-scale farming.
3. Transportation and Trade: The presence of rivers, natural harbors, and coastline influenced the trade and transportation networks in the colonies. The New England colonies had a rugged coastline and relied heavily on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade with Europe. Similarly, the Middle colonies had excellent river systems, enabling trade and the establishment of port cities such as New York and Philadelphia. The Southern colonies had large rivers that facilitated the transport of goods, fostering the growth of a plantation economy and the development of port cities like Charleston and Savannah.
4. Settlement Patterns: Geography played a role in determining where colonists could settle. The Appalachian Mountains acted as a natural barrier and led to the development of distinct regions. The New England colonies had limited arable land and a hilly terrain, which led to the establishment of small farms and close-knit communities. The Southern colonies had vast expanses of fertile land and a milder climate, leading to the growth of large plantations and a more dispersed settlement pattern.
By considering these factors, we can see how the geography of North America influenced the development and character of the English colonies, shaping their economies, social structures, and settlement patterns.