Territory Worth Contesting
Until the mid-1700s, the colonies in North America yielded limited profits for Britain and France. However, that was changing, especially in the British colonies. The population was growing, the economy diversifying, and trade expanding. The potential was immense. America was producing more agricultural products and raw materials and the colonies were becoming a lucrative market for manufactured goods. Both Britain and France recognized that North America was territory worth contesting.
The Port of Philadelphia was the most active harbor in colonial America. As illustrated here, many types of ships transported materials to domestic and foreign ports. In this era, it was far easier to move goods by sea than overland.
Exports
American prosperity depended on the growing value of its exports. By the 1770s, these included not only tobacco and furs, but also rum, wheat, fish, rice, indigo, iron, sugar, and naval stores. Besides seeking political freedom, the colonists wanted independence to control their own global trade.
Beaver Pelt, mid-1800s
Demand for beaver pelts and other furs stimulated trade with American Indians, but also brought conflicts with the French. Control of fur supplies was among the causes of the Seven Years’ War.
Gift of The Chase Manhattan Bank
Fireback, 1748
Because of the abundance of iron ore in the colonies, pig iron and other ironware increased in significance. In the 1770s, iron exports to Britain from the mid-Atlantic trailed only tobacco in value. They were worth twice the exports of grain and wood.
Gift of Union Fork and Hoe Company; Benjamin Stack, Harvey G. Stack, and Norman Stack; and The Chase Manhattan Bank
Nails, 17th-18th Century
Because of the abundance of iron ore in the colonies, pig iron and other ironware increased in significance. In the 1770s, iron exports to Britain from the mid-Atlantic trailed only tobacco in value. They were worth twice the exports of grain and wood.
Gift of Union Fork and Hoe Company; Benjamin Stack, Harvey G. Stack, and Norman Stack; and The Chase Manhattan Bank
Beaver Pelt, mid-1800s
Demand for beaver pelts and other furs stimulated trade with American Indians, but also brought conflicts with the French. Control of fur supplies was among the causes of the Seven Years’ War.
Gift of The Chase Manhattan Bank
Fireback, 1748
Because of the abundance of iron ore in the colonies, pig iron and other ironware increased in significance. In the 1770s, iron exports to Britain from the mid-Atlantic trailed only tobacco in value. They were worth twice the exports of grain and wood.
Gift of Union Fork and Hoe Company; Benjamin Stack, Harvey G. Stack, and Norman Stack; and The Chase Manhattan Bank
Nails, 17th-18th Century
Because of the abundance of iron ore in the colonies, pig iron and other ironware increased in significance. In the 1770s, iron exports to Britain from the mid-Atlantic trailed only tobacco in value. They were worth twice the exports of grain and wood.
Gift of Union Fork and Hoe Company; Benjamin Stack, Harvey G. Stack, and Norman Stack; and The Chase Manhattan Bank
Imports
In general, white American colonists in the late 1700s had a comparable standard of living to their British counterparts. English businessmen sought to profit from colonists through sale of manufactured goods and by controlling American trade with other countries, including India and China. Americans were eager consumers, and often fell into debt to British merchants.
Lloyd E. Hawes, M.D. Belt Buckle, late 1700s
Buckles, which began replacing ties for shoes and breeches in the 1600s, were prized fashion accessories in colonial America. They came in many different materials, styles, designs—and price ranges.
Gift of Lloyd E. Hawes, M.D.
Knife Box & Tableware, 1757
Entertaining in style was a mark of distinction. This fine English silver plate, the perfect accessory to a sumptuous multicourse meal, belonged to George and Martha Washington.
Transfer from U.S. Patent Office
Violin, 1759
Colonial Americans loved music, especially the violin. However, instruments were luxuries that came from abroad. Instrument making would not become established in America until the 1800s.
Fabric, around 1770
Homespun cloth was made by colonial Americans, but fine textiles were imported from Britain. Thousands of yards were imported every year. This exquisite sample of brocaded worsted wool came from the weaving center near Norwich.
Lloyd E. Hawes, M.D. Belt Buckle, late 1700s
Buckles, which began replacing ties for shoes and breeches in the 1600s, were prized fashion accessories in colonial America. They came in many different materials, styles, designs—and price ranges.
Gift of Lloyd E. Hawes, M.D.
Knife Box & Tableware, 1757
Entertaining in style was a mark of distinction. This fine English silver plate, the perfect accessory to a sumptuous multicourse meal, belonged to George and Martha Washington.
Transfer from U.S. Patent Office
Violin, 1759
Colonial Americans loved music, especially the violin. However, instruments were luxuries that came from abroad. Instrument making would not become established in America until the 1800s.
Fabric, around 1770
Homespun cloth was made by colonial Americans, but fine textiles were imported from Britain. Thousands of yards were imported every year. This exquisite sample of brocaded worsted wool came from the weaving center near Norwich.
