Nat Geo 8th Grade - Chapter 4 Section 1

Today I will learn about characteristics of the colonial New England economy by identifying details and Analyzing Environmental Concepts by summarizing my findings about the whale products.

Main Idea

New England’s colonial economy was based on agriculture, commerce and small-scale manufacturing.

New England rocky soil and short growing season meant that farmers practice subsistence farming. They had little left over to sell or trade after feeding their families. In contrast, the Atlantic Ocean was bountiful. It provided fish that could be sold to London markets and whales that supplies blubber for oil, as well as meat, bone, leather, and wax for sale and export. 

New England exported such items as cod, whale meat, whale oil, and ships to England and imported manufactured goods, such as metal product, textiles, and shoes.

Research how producers used spermaceti, baleen, and ambergris. Investigate the sources of these raw materials, the products that were made from them, and the places where the products were traded. 

Write a summary of your findings. 

Due tomorrow.