The New England and the Atlantic Regions From 1607-1789

Introduction

The economic and business history of the United States dates back to the colonial times when settlers invaded the US territory. However, the settlers were very selective in the territories that they scrambled to control. Particularly, they considered the capital aspect of the colony. In this regard, they evaluated the availability of labor, the presence of natural resources for exploitation, and the intellectual advancement of the inhabitants as well as the financial viability of administering the colony. In the New England states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, the bay colony settlers were well educated and therefore offered quality intellectual capital necessary for the proper administration of the economy. Despite the economic goals of the settlers, the main aim of the New England settlers was to further their spiritual beliefs and practices. In the Atlantic states of New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, the quality of land was very good. As a result, farming was made easier than was the case in New England. Additionally, the coastal lowlands increased trade with the outsides. Farming developed in the Atlantic due to fertile soils and favorable climate. However, fishing was predominant in the New England colonies due to the natural supply of fish from the coastal waters. From the foregoing, it is clear that the Mid-Atlantic States had an economic and business advantage over their counterparts in New England because of the good soils which made farming viable.

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The two regions (New England and the Atlantic) had some similar natural resources while others were different. The most notable similarity between the two is the Appalachian Mountains which are a source of attraction for tourists. With regard to the New England region, the most notable natural resources are the rivers, lakes, wetlands, capes and bays which facilitated fish farming. Additionally, the Connecticut River valleys are some of the natural resources that the New England boasts of. Additionally, the Appalachian Mountains had a lot of thick forests which necessitated the supply of fish, lumber, and fur which were components necessary for trade between the settlers and the outside world. Although the Atlantic region has the Appalachian and the Adirondack Mountain ranges, it has some other unique natural resources that make it more advantageous. Specifically, the waterfalls, plateaus and the piedmonts are a perfect fit for the region. Most importantly, the fertile soil that inhabited the area and that was necessary for general agriculture. Apart from the farmland, the water related resources such as ports and fish were fundamental for the growth of business and economy of the Atlantic region. In this regard, the Atlantic was milder and economically powerful than the New England due to its fertile soil and good climate.

SWOT Analysis for New England

SWOT analysis is a model that analysis the strengths and weaknesses of a given entity. Afterwards, it considers the opportunities and the possible threats that may hinder the success of any business venture. This analysis will bring out the various strengths of New England and contrasts them with the ones of the Atlantic region so as to establish which region was more economically viable in the period between 1607 and1789.

Strengths

The strengths of New England lay with the many capes, lakes and other wetlands that existed within its borders. As a result, fishing was the popular economic activity performed by the settlers. This activity facilitated the provision of staple food as well as trade with the other neighboring regions. The forests in the Appalachian Mountains also provided sufficient supply of timber for the construction of business premises and residential houses.

Weaknesses

Despite the much strength that New England region possessed, it was also faced with a variety of weaknesses. The most notable weaknesses of the region were the shallow, rocky, and hilly soil which hindered farming. Additionally, the nearness of the region to the coast brought about a lot of precipitation and soil erosion. As a result, farming was made difficult in the region. Further, the fact that most settlers in the region relied on public education made their intellectual capital very poor.

Opportunities

The legion had a lot of opportunities in the period between 1607 and 1789. Specifically, the Appalachian Mountains were good scenery for refugees. In this regard, the region could earn a lot of foreign money by attracting tourists. Additionally, the coastal areas were ideal for international trade. This is because big ships could dock and provide foreign and international goods and services to the region. As such, these two opportunities existed during that era.

Threats

The threats that New England region faced was that of soil erosion. Due to precipitation, it was a huge threat that almost all the soil min the mainland would be drowned into the sea. Additionally, the depletion of the Appalachian mountain forests threatened the business and economic stability of the region. Additionally, it also contributed to climate change.

SWOT Analysis for Atlantic Region

Strengths

Just like the New England region, the strength of the Atlantic states lay on its natural resources. Specifically, the Appalachian and Adirondack Mountain ranges were very important strengths for the region. These mountains provided the region with very good forests which were a source of timber for the construction of houses in the region. Additionally, the fertile soils in the region enabled farming to be very beneficial to the settlers. Further, its nearness to the coastal areas contributed to trade in fish farming, ship building, and crop farming.

Weaknesses

Most of the settlers in the Atlantic states took part in private as opposed to public education. This was a weakness since not all people could afford the private studies. Additionally, just like the New England region, the Atlantic states have a very high rate of precipitation which is disadvantageous to the life of the settlers living in the region.

Opportunities

Situated in the east coast with navigable rivers, good harbors and coastal plains, there was an opportunity for the region to engage in diverse trades. As such, more ships should dock their coastal areas for the purpose of trade. The availability of the fertile soil was also important for the farming for different crops apart from the ones that the settlers planted. Further, the good climate is good for tourists who might want to visit the region from time to time.

Threats

The major threat that the region encompassed is that of the influx of outsiders in the region. This is because; they bring about new values to the local inhabitants. Additionally, the expansion of the sea is a threat to the businesses in the mainland. I this result, there is a threat that they will become part of the sea. Moreover, the increased precipitation is likely to negatively affect the tourists who wish to visit the regions.

The two regions have great natural resources as well as capital. However, if I were a settler, I would opt to settle in the Atlantic region because of a variety of factors. Specifically, the region has rich soils which are good for agriculture. Additionally, its waters are fundamental in the fish business. As a result, the physical capital in the Atlantic would be plenty and sufficient. Most importantly, the area has a very good climate with mild winters and summers which are good for the sustenance of human life. This contrasts with the New England whose soil is not good for agriculture. Additionally, the quality of education in the New England states is poor compared to the Atlantic region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the colonies of the New England and the Atlantic were located at the east coast. Both regions were involved in the fishing activities. When the settlers invaded the region in the 17th century, they wanted to exploit all the available resources. The two regions were blessed with a lot of natural resources in the form of mountains, lakes, bays, and other wetlands. However, the Atlantic region was more viable due to its sufficient supply of labor, physical and intellectual capital. More importantly, the natural resources in the Atlantic were way better than those in the New England. Specifically, the fertile soils in the Atlantic ensured that there were a lot of foods for the consumption of the settlers and for trade as well. Moreover, the good climate in the Atlantic was very important for the sustenance of life in the Atlantic region. As such, if I were a settler I would have chosen to stay in the Atlantic.