About the Trading posts...HBC and NWC.
Why were many posts of the rival companies placed next to each other?
This is so confusing. I am thinking that it might be for business matters, but I would like the whole thing please. And no sites, since they do not help me.
The placement of trading posts of rival companies next to each other was actually a strategic business decision made by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) and the North West Company (NWC) during the fur trade era in North America.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, both HBC and NWC were competing fur trading companies aiming to control the lucrative fur trade in the North American wilderness. These companies set up trading posts or forts in various locations to establish their presence and engage in trade with the Indigenous peoples and local trappers.
The decision to place their trading posts in close proximity to each other had several reasons:
1. Competition: By establishing their posts near those of their rivals, HBC and NWC hoped to have a direct presence in the same fur-rich territories and attract the Indigenous peoples and trappers who frequented those areas. This allowed the companies to directly compete for the best furs and trade opportunities.
2. Supply and Demand: Proximity to a rival trading post allowed both companies to monitor the supply and demand of furs more closely. If one company noticed that the other was running low on popular furs, they could adjust their prices and trade incentives accordingly to attract more trappers and acquire those furs themselves.
3. Efficiency: Being close to their rivals also meant that the companies could keep a close eye on their activities, prices, and trade practices. This knowledge helped them optimize their own operations and make adjustments to remain competitive.
4. Security: By placing their posts next to each other, HBC and NWC reduced the risk of attacks from Indigenous groups or hostile trappers. Having a neighboring post acted as a deterrent, as attacking one company's post would likely result in retaliation from the other.
Overall, placing trading posts next to each other was a calculated move for both HBC and NWC. It allowed them to compete directly, monitor the market, and enhance their security while operating in the challenging and often unpredictable fur trade industry.