US Workforce History 9-22-24

The 13 colonies were created from 1607 to 1732. Virginia 1607, New York (1626), Massachusetts (1630), Maryland (1633), Rhode Island (1636), Connecticut (1636), New Hampshire (1638), Delaware (1638), North Carolina (1653), South Carolina (1663), New Jersey (1664), Pennsylvania (1682), and Georgia (1732). The 13 Colinies were established. Colonial governments were formed allowing self-rule. Governors were appointed by Britain and Legislatures were elected by their colonists. 

In the 1600s, work involved cutting down trees, building log cabins, hunting, gathering food planting and harvesting crops and raising livestock. Lumber and Tobacco became major exports. During the 1600s, Europeans brought animals like horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and dogs to the British colonies in America, These animals were primarily used for food, transportation, and labor. 

British colonies exported a variety of goods in the 1600s, including: 

• Tobacco: The most valuable commodity due to the duties on it when exported from America and imported into Britain 
• Bread and flour: A major export from the mainland colonies 
• Rice: A major export from the mainland colonies 
• Dried fish: A major export from the mainland colonies 
• Lumber: A major export from the colonies 
• Iron: An export from the Middle Colonies 
• Wheat: An export from the Middle Colonies 
• Livestock: An export from the Middle Colonies 
• Whale oil: An export from the Middle Colonies 

In 1700, the population of the 13 colonies was 250,888. In the 1700s, British colonies also relied on the mother country for finished goods. The economic system in Europe at the time was mercantilism, which encouraged governments to export more than they imported to increase their wealth.

British colonies exported a variety of goods in the 1700s, including: 

• Tobacco: The British Chesapeake colonies were the main suppliers of tobacco to Western Europe. 
• Cotton: Re-exported cotton from British colonies in India was a major part of British exports to Africa. 
• Indigo: A key export from the British colonies. 
• Timber: A key export from the British colonies. 
• Furs: A key export from the British colonies. 
• Iron: A significant export to Africa, along with weapons, which were used to capture slaves. 
• Wheat: An export from the Middle Colonies. 
• Livestock: An export from the Middle Colonies. 
• Whale oil: An export from the Middle Colonies. 
• Fish: An export from the Middle Colonies. 
• Rum: An export from the Middle Colonies. 

The British Empire's foreign trade grew rapidly between 1770 and 1800, but was often interrupted by foreign wars. 

In 1800, the population of the US was 5,308,483. In the 1800s, immigrants came to the US to own property and establish generational wealth. Most were farmers from Europe, who had already experienced the risks involved in farming. Many others worked in forestry and construction of canals, bridges, roads and home-based manufacturing. Most were home-schooled and worked as apprentices to learn trades..

In 1900 the population of the US was 76,212,168. In the 1900s, the children of these immigrants had assimilated in the US. Many were working in manufacturing plants in cities and next to railroad routes. Some entered professions that required licenses and some required specific education. Some entered trade schools and started businesses.

In 2000 the population of the US was 282.2 million. In the 2000s, manufacturing was moving overseas to countries with lower labor costs and lower regulations. Global trade has reached its limitations and manufacturing will likely return to the US.  

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader