Through the careful reading of American Colonies Essay -- Literary Ana

Through the careful reading of American Colonies, written by Alan Taylor, it is clear that there are vast differences as well as a number of similarities between the European competitors as they began to colonize the Americas but diversity can also be found within the colonies they would create. American Colonies shows a close relationship between climate, the state of the economy, and the development of slavery. The varying climate within the Americas proved to have an enormous impact on the source of revenue a colony would rely on to support its economy and this choice of trade would then quickly affect the need for slaves or lack thereof. It is helpful to have an understanding of the variation of the climate within the colonies since it greatly influenced the development of the economy and, eventually, slavery. The climate of the homeland of each of the European competitors is also important to the way in which they settled the colonies as well as what they would appreciate when they began in their production or trade. The Chesapeake was fortunate to have rich soil that was ready to be farmed as well as a long growing season. However, they also suffered from hot and humid temperatures that often triggered diseases such as malaria. The colonists of New England found a much colder and less plentiful environment but it did create a much healthier setting for colonial life. The land of New England was similar to England, full of hills and dense forests, stony soil, and a short growing season (159). New France had harsh, long winters and a short growing season. They continued to be an expense to France since they were unab le to produce many demanded goods for their homeland. New Netherland’s climate â€Å"was more fertile and temperat... ...ome treating them better then others, and some having more or less slaves than others, they still accepted the belief that they were in fact superior, as a result of their common European origins. The climate of the colonies clearly affected the production and trade of goods, while the climate of their homeland affected the colonists’ knowledge and survival rate. What the colonists’ were able to produce created their economy, affected the economy of their mother country, and impacted their development of slavery as well. As we have seen differences can be found not only between the European competitors and the colonies they would create but also between the British American colonies as well. When taking a closer look at American Colonies, their differences are able to stand out and help one further understand their development and their effect on their progress.