Why is trade an essential part of the culture and economy of the pacific island?

Trade is essential to the economy of the Pacific Islands because resources are distributed unevenly among the islands. Therefore, trade is vital for survival. Trade is also an important part of the informal economy, where those who engage in subsistence agriculture sell small portions of agricultural products. Finally, trade is an important part of the culture: traditionally, feathers, foods, spices, and shells were traded among groups on the islands. Trade carries important political and social meanings, and trade was often used to establish relationships among different groups.

the first phase of the government’s plan for settlement was building the transcontinental railroad. the railroad provided a way to bring settlers and manufactured goods west and ship their agricultural and mining produce east. the transcontinental railroad was an essential artery for rapid development of the frontier.

the second phase of the government’s plan was a liberal land distribution policy that made it possible for many people to homestead. with these two key elements—transportation and cheap land—the government rapidly achieved its goal of persuading people to move west, settle on farms, and push back the frontier.