Geography Affected the Development of the New England & Chesapeake Bay Area Colonies

. Geography in a general sense is the defining point of any area in the world and determines specifically the pros and cons of any location. Although the British colonies in America prospered and profited in numerous ways, their geographical attributes were the most prominent factors of their development in the 1600's.

Firstly, the development of the New England colonies was substantially slower agriculturally due to their rock laden soil. However, the area had numerous other natural resources that helped them progress. The New England area is full of forests, so lumber became a major industry. After discovering that the ample foliage could be used to the colonists advantage, permanent housing sprung up in the area. The forests were heavy with game, and the colonists became hunters. Lumber also helped develop the trade of shipbuilding, and the trade routes provided by the river led to the formation of few ports. The rocky shore lines prevented easy access to the coast. This was a characteristic unique to the New England colonies. The fast moving shallow rivers allowed fishing to prosper fostering a key industry. Labor of the New England colonies was domestic, thus the building of ships and furniture were done without the aid of indentured servants or slaves.

In addition to topographical influences, harsh climate affected the development of the New England colonies. The winters were rough, and much colder than in the other colonies. Bacteria do not thrive in such areas, and so the colonists were less prone to disease. Frigid winters caused less reproduction, and the population only grew through natural birth.

Secondly, the Middle Colonies had fertile soil, prime for farming. They blossomed agriculturally in contrast to the New England colonies. These settlers were the leading food producers of all the British colonies. More than farming, the middle colonies were famous for their mills and grain export. Also known as "The Bread Basket Colonies," the colonists produced an abundant amount of wheat, corn, rye, hemp, and flax. Tobacco was a leading export, although it depleted the soil. The mountainous area kept the colonists from expanding their territory. Few coastal areas resulted in fewer ports. The rich soil and mild climate paved the way for a longer growing season.

Furthermore, the moderate winters provided a steady reproduction rate, as well as fur trading posts set up. The fur trappers were attracted to the rivers, namely the Hudson, which also attracted a diverse business for slaves. In likeness to the New England colonies, the Middle colonies also had a plentiful amount of forests which helped establish a lumber industry.

Lastly, the geographical structure of the Southern colonies aided the colonists in reaching prosperity. The rich, fertile soil was a tobacco haven (in addition to gold), and was what essentially saved the colony of Jamestown, Virginia from devastation. This particular