Colonial New York Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Colonial New York - Essay Example The population did contribute to the growth of New York into a big city with surrounding urban areas. The colonial masters did focus on settling in areas having a sea outlet. These areas were excellent sites for trading with external worlds and communication. They could also ease the transportation methods via water. Areas that were far from the sea exposure did remain far behind in terms of development. Whereas the East New York had a harbor from the East River, the western New York did remain less occupied. The western New York did not offer a good site for the British colonialists as they gather the raw materials for production of goods and services in their countries. Most of the residents of these areas remained enslaved. Slave trade remained the main economic activity of the people. It was the cornerstone of New York economy1. The environmental areas did not favor the growth of urban centers. In 1730, census, about 97% of the total population did reside in rural areas. The poor people did reside in back alleys and the streets. However, with the eruption of Industrial revolution, there was a rapid transformation of the living standards of people. There was a sudden urge to construct industries in a bid to create employment. Transportation and communication facilities also did expand2. During the colonial times, there were poor transport and communication facilities that could enhance movement from one place to another. Roads and railways were a historical issue. Failure to have these facilities did contribute immensely to lack of development in New York. Furthermore, it did translate to a fact that these areas were under exploited in terms of natural resources and raw materials for industrial utility. Development is seen in the area after the industrial revolution when roads, railways, telephones and telegraph networks are available. Poor technology did exhibit the colonial session. Electricity had not yet disseminated