New England is collective name given to the six states of north Eastern United States. They include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The region bordered by New York State in the west, Canada in the north, Atlantic ocean in the east and long island in the south.

The first immigrants in this region were European settlers. These settlers found difficult conditions due to thick forests, poor strong soils, long harsh winter seasons and hostile Indians. However, these people were determined, inventive and skilled. Thus they made use of the raw materials e.g. forests, iron ore deposits, fish, fur and meat from wild animals to develop Industries. The traditional industries were mainly for textiles, ship building, iron and steel, saw milling, fish processing and printing.

Out of this, many large industries grew up from fishing and textile industries which expanded due to large importation of cotton from the southern states and we talk now many of the traditional industries have declined and new ones have sprang up.

FACTORS FOR THE DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES

1. Exhaustion of raw materials from the forests e.g. many of the forests are now cleared.
2. Competition from other industries producing similar goods.
3. The migration of industries to other places where conditions were suitable for their survivor.
4. The industrial machinery used was out-dated and less efficient.
5. High wage rates demanded by workers discouraged many industrialists.
6. Poor working power demands of the 19th century which led to New England being out competed.

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