From Furs to Fir Trees: Gettin' Rich (Colonial Style) in New England
Those history books might paint a picture of the New England colonists as a bunch of stern-faced folks obsessed with religion and pumpkin pie. But let's be honest, even the most pious Puritan needed a way to put some coin in their purse (or bonnet, I guess). So, how did these colonists turn a profit in a land that wasn't exactly overflowing with gold bars? Well, buckle up, history buffs (and closet comedians), because we're about to dive into the not-so-secret world of colonial commerce, New England style!
Fishing for Fortune: A Cod Almighty Tale
The New England coast was basically a seafood buffet. From plump cod swimming in the chilly waters to whales breaching for an audience, these colonists weren't shy about casting a line (or a harpoon) and reeling in the big bucks...er, cod. The cod market boomed, with dried and salted fish being shipped across the Atlantic faster than you can say "fish and chips."
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| How Did The New England Colonies Make Money |
Forests, Glorious Forests:
The New England landscape may not have been ideal for sprawling cornfields, but it did boast a wealth of towering trees. These colonists became lumberjacks before lumberjacks were even a thing, chopping down trees and crafting them into everything from ships to furniture. They even started the "plywood" trend way back when, using thin sheets of wood for barrels and containers. Talk about resourceful!
Going Into Business: The Birth of the Yankee Trader
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New Englanders weren't just about catching and chopping; they had a real knack for business too. Shipbuilding became a major industry, and soon those New England-crafted schooners were sailing the seas, trading with Europe, the Caribbean, and even Africa. They'd load up their ships with lumber, fish, and even furs (traded from Native Americans) and bring back all sorts of goodies, from spices to manufactured goods.
Not All Work and No Play: A Triangular Trade of Sorts
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Here's where things get a little...tricky. The New England colonies participated in the triangular trade, which involved shipping rum and manufactured goods to Africa, then trading those items for enslaved people who were then transported to the Caribbean to work on sugar plantations. The colonists would then use the sugar they produced to trade back to Europe and New England. This was a dark side of colonial commerce, and it's important to acknowledge the human cost involved.
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FAQ: New England Colonial Cash Flow
How to Fish Like a Colonist? Patience and a strong stomach for cleaning fish are key! Also, a sturdy fishing boat wouldn't hurt.
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How to Become a Lumberjack (Colonially)? Invest in a good axe, and maybe skip the flannel shirt; it wasn't invented yet.
How to Start a Colonial Trading Business? Be prepared to haggle, barter, and maybe even dodge a pirate or two.
How to Build a Ship? Apparently, a whole lot of wood and some serious carpentry skills were involved.
How to Avoid the Moral Turpitude of the Triangular Trade? Time travel and a good stock portfolio to invest in ethical businesses might be your best bet.
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