Introduction

The Great Lakes play a significant role in the geography and economy of North America. However, if these vast bodies of water never existed, how would it have affected the colonization and industrial development of the region? This essay explores the potential impacts on industry, settlement patterns, and cultural landscapes.

Industrial Shifts and City Scales

If the Great Lakes did not exist, the distribution of heavy industries would be profoundly affected. The lakes serve as essential sources of fresh water, supporting a variety of industries such as manufacturing, shipping, and hydroelectric power. Without them, industries might have to rely on other water sources, possibly leading to a shift towards more inland locations with sufficient water resources.

The city sizes and populations would be smaller. For instance, Chicago, which currently thrives as one of the largest cities in North America due to its position near the Great Lakes, might be a much smaller town if not for the lakes. This reduction in size could also impact the surrounding areas, leading to a decrease in overall population density in the region.

Pioneers and Settlers

Colonial activities and settlements in North America often followed well-established paths of convenience, such as fertile land and easily navigable rivers and waterways. The Great Lakes, while significant, did not redefine these fundamental routes. Settlements and development would most likely continue along these well-known routes, particularly rivers. Even without the Great Lakes, large mountain ranges such as the Rocky Mountains would provide significant rivers and natural corridors for exploration and settlement.

Historical Context and Cultural Implications

The Great Lakes were not the only factor in colonial activities; the Ice Age also played a crucial role in shaping the region. The Laurentide Ice Sheet, which covered a significant portion of North America during the Ice Age, left behind the Great Lakes as remnants. Human migration patterns and early colonial settlements were influenced by these geographical features, but not solely dependent on the lakes.

For example, the earliest colonial settlements did not primarily rely on the Great Lakes. The British were searching for routes to the Far East, and their attempts were often unsuccessful, regardless of the presence or absence of the Great Lakes. Similarly, early European settlers did not depend on these lakes for their initial success, as they could reach westward using rivers from the Pacific Ocean. However, the Great Lakes did provide significant advantages for trade and resource exploitation, particularly for fur trading.

Geographical and Cultural Legacy

The legacy of the Great Lakes is vast and enduring. For numerous northern US and Canadian tribes, the lakes were essential for life, migration, and trade, significantly reducing the difficulties of traveling over vast distances. The drainage of these lakes created favorable habitats for beavers, which played a crucial role in the fur trade. Nonetheless, early colonial activities were not solely dependent on the Great Lakes; other geographical features, such as rivers and mountain ranges, also played key roles in shaping the development of North America.

Conclusion

While the Great Lakes have undeniably influenced the geography and economy of North America, their non-existence would not completely nullify the regions' potential for colonization and economic development. The lure of fertile land, navigable rivers, and emerging mountain ranges would continue to attract settlers and define the region's character. The hypothetical absence of the Great Lakes would undoubtedly reshape the landscape, but it would not erase the essential elements that made North American colonization possible and vibrant.