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.(4 points)
One key reason why New England colonists still benefitted from the system of slavery, despite not having many slaves themselves, can be explained by their involvement in the Triangular Trade. The map indicates the routes followed by slave ships, with New England ports being integral parts of this trade network. New England merchants purchased enslaved Africans in West Africa and transported them to the Americas, including the Southern colonies and the Caribbean.
Firstly, New England colonists profited economically from this trade system. They made significant financial gains by investing in and profiting from the slave trade. Profits from selling enslaved Africans and trading goods were used to boost their local economies and expand their businesses. This economic prosperity fueled the growth of industries, such as shipbuilding and manufacturing, which further benefitted the New England region.
Secondly, the slave trade indirectly impacted New England society and culture. The profits made from the slave trade were reinvested within the colonies, helping finance educational institutions such as Harvard University. Additionally, some enslaved individuals who were brought to New England were used as domestic servants or skilled laborers, contributing to the local labor force and allowing New Englanders to enjoy an improved standard of living.
Thirdly, the ideology and ideas associated with slavery influenced New England colonists, even if they did not have many slaves themselves. The constant interaction and engagement with the institution of slavery through the Triangular Trade shaped their perceptions of race, the concept of inferiority/superiority, and the justification for slave ownership. This ideological framework, along with the economic interests tied to the slave trade, contributed to the perpetuation of racial inequalities and discrimination in New England, even as they did not rely heavily on enslaved labor.
In conclusion, even though New England colonists did not have a large population of slaves, they still benefitted from the system through their active participation in the Triangular Trade. Their economic gains, societal development, and ideological influences from the slave trade demonstrate the enduring impact of slavery on the region, despite their relatively smaller numbers of slaves.