Thomas W. Truxes writes in “Defying Empire: Trading with the Enemy in Colonial New York that during the Seven Years' War”, New York's "most successful businessmen were daring, resourceful, and often ruthless." This assertion is supported throughout the book with multiple examples of how the successful businessmen of the time exhibited these traits. They were bold, inventive, and brutal. These men went to whatever lengths necessary to make money and ensure the security of their businesses. They were not afraid to do what needed to be done. As Truxes said "business was business." (Truxes, 8)
In order to be successful during the war, New York businessmen had to be daring. It required bravery to even attempt to continue trade with the French. These men faced extreme consequences if they were to get caught. They would face high fines, jail, or even the possibility of being charged with treason (Truxes, 6). …show more content…
As officials such as Governor Sir Charles Hardy continued to threaten the industry of illegal trade, the traders continued to find new ways to circumvent them. The ways by which they smuggled the contraband goods were incredibly inventive. One prominent method of trading these goods was called “flag-trucing.” Under the guise of prisoner of war exchanges under flags of truce, British merchants were able to directly trade with the French. This made up about 25 percent of the “trade with the enemy.” (Truxes, 88) Much of the rest of the “trade with the enemy” happened via indirect trade with neutral islands. They would also bribe officials, forge documents, and hide the contraband good inside of legal goods (Truxes, 41). The persistence of the industry of wartime trade with France was largely dependent upon the ingenuity of these
In order to be successful during the war, New York businessmen had to be daring. It required bravery to even attempt to continue trade with the French. These men faced extreme consequences if they were to get caught. They would face high fines, jail, or even the possibility of being charged with treason (Truxes, 6). …show more content…
As officials such as Governor Sir Charles Hardy continued to threaten the industry of illegal trade, the traders continued to find new ways to circumvent them. The ways by which they smuggled the contraband goods were incredibly inventive. One prominent method of trading these goods was called “flag-trucing.” Under the guise of prisoner of war exchanges under flags of truce, British merchants were able to directly trade with the French. This made up about 25 percent of the “trade with the enemy.” (Truxes, 88) Much of the rest of the “trade with the enemy” happened via indirect trade with neutral islands. They would also bribe officials, forge documents, and hide the contraband good inside of legal goods (Truxes, 41). The persistence of the industry of wartime trade with France was largely dependent upon the ingenuity of these