1. Agriculture and Natural Resources:
- Agriculture was a primary driver of the economy. Agriculture societies were self-sufficient and based on farming, livestock raising, and fishing for sustenance.
- Economies depended heavily on natural resources like wood, coal, and waterpower. Coal was used as a primary fuel for steam engines in industries and transportation.
- The absence of oil resulted in a slower pace of industrialization, as energy sources were limited.
2. Manufacturing:
- Manufacturing relied on manual labor and traditional craftsmanship techniques.
- Goods were produced in smaller quantities due to the lack of mass production capabilities.
3. Transportation:
- Sailing ships and wind-powered vessels were used for long-distance trade and transportation across oceans.
- Animal-drawn carts, wagons, and carriages were the main modes of land transport.
4. Energy:
- Economies primarily used wood, coal, and animal power as energy sources.
- The lack of efficient energy sources constrained industrial development.
5. Trade and Commerce:
- Trade involved the exchange of goods and resources between regions with different specialties.
- Merchants and traders played a vital role in facilitating commerce and transporting goods.
- Trade routes and networks were established, connecting different parts of the world.
6. Limited Transportation Infrastructure:
- The absence of oil-based fuels limited the development of extensive transportation infrastructure, such as roads and highways.
7. Cottage Industries and Artisans:
- Many economies featured cottage industries, where skilled artisans produced goods by hand in their homes.
- Specialized craftsmanship and local artistry were valued commodities.
8. Local and Regional Economies:
- Economic activities were often localized, as transportation and communication were limited.
- Regions specialized in producing specific goods based on their natural resources and skills.
9. Impact on Everyday Life:
- The absence of oil affected various aspects of daily life, including lighting (using candles or oil lamps), cooking (wood-fired stoves or open flames), and heating (fireplaces or coal stoves).
10. Slow Pace of Technological Advancement:
- The limited availability of reliable energy sources hindered the rapid advancement of technology.
11. Colonialism and Resources:
- Colonial powers often sought to control regions with abundant natural resources, including coal, minerals, and agricultural products, to support their economies.
The discovery and subsequent widespread use of crude oil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries transformed economies globally. It revolutionized industries, transportation, and energy generation, laying the foundation for the modern industrialized world we know today.
