Even though New England colonists typically did not have many slaves, they still benefitted from the system shown by this map. Using details from this map and Unit 2, explain why this was the case.
The map displays the distribution of slaves in the United States during the 18th century. Although New England colonists did not have a significant number of slaves compared to other regions, they still benefited from the overall system due to several interconnected factors.
Firstly, New England was involved in the triangular trade, which was a crucial aspect of the Atlantic economy. This trade network connected New England merchants with sugar plantations in the Caribbean and the South. New England ships would transport goods like rum, manufactured goods, and guns to Africa, where they would be traded for slaves. These slaves were then transported to the Caribbean and the South to work on plantations, producing valuable commodities like sugar, tobacco, and rice. Finally, the New England ships would return home with these products. Thus, even though New England did not have large-scale slave plantations, the region played a vital role in facilitating the slave trade by providing goods and transportation.
Secondly, the New England economy was diverse and interconnected with other regions. While the primary economic activities in New England centered on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade, the region also had small-scale agriculture. Although this agriculture did not rely heavily on slave labor, the existence of slavery in neighboring regions helped to boost the New England economy indirectly. The profits made by New England merchants through the slave trade, as well as trade connections with slave-based economies, provided wealth that would flow back into New England. This wealth could then be invested in various industries and ventures, thus benefiting the wider New England economy.
Additionally, it is worth noting that slavery was not entirely absent in New England. While the number of slaves may have been relatively small compared to other regions, especially the South, there were still enslaved individuals present. They were often owned by wealthy individuals, governors, or prominent families. Slavery was also present in the form of domestic servants, seamen, and laborers. These enslaved individuals played a role in supporting the daily life and economic activities of New England colonists, contributing to their overall prosperity.
In conclusion, although New England colonists did not heavily rely on slave labor or have large-scale plantations, they still benefited from the system of slavery due to their involvement in the triangular trade, the interconnectedness of the regional economy, and the presence of enslaved individuals within the region. The profits, trade connections, and economic stability generated by the slave trade contributed to the prosperity of New England, even if indirectly.