The Economic Decline of the Great Lakes Industrial Belt, including Upstate New York and Pennsylvania, is due to many
major and minor forces. This essay will examine some of these forces, which have all resulted in a migrational exodus
out of the Northeast U.S. to the South and West:
1. Global transition from the Industrial Age to the Information Age
2. Adverse climate
3. State bureaucracy crisis
4. Poor business climate
5. Brain drain
6. Psycho-Social mentalities
7. Religious beliefs
From 1870 to 1970, the Great Lakes Industrial Complex (stretching from Chicago to NYC) became the most advanced and productive
society in human history. Cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Toronto grew
to prominence in the new world.
Upstate New York was at the very center of all this energy and activity. With the Big Apple as the main anchor
of this Complex, New York certainly became the Empire State - the only state in the U.S. that could have broken off to form
its own country.
During the industrial century of Great Lakes greatness, NYC became the capitol of the planet...business, finance,
publishing, television, theater, music, fashion, sports, entertainment, architecture, etc...and Upstate benefitted from the
geographical, economic, and cultural association.
In 1900, Buffalo was the sixth largest city in the nation and the Twin Tier Region was in the middle of the first oil
boom in history. Kodak and Xerox would soon become giants. The whole region seemed destined to become an
important part of the industrial revolution in America and the world.
Coincidently, sitting in the middle of all this industry - one of the greatest natural wonders on the planet - Niagara
Falls. The majestic site became the ultimate destination for royalty, famous folks, and regular travelers across
the globe. The future seemed very bright for the people of Upstate New York...in 1900.
Unfortunately, New York State residents over the past century have followed in the footsteps of their European ancestors,
allowing little and big government to become deeply ingrained into society. Socialism has been slowly but surely
pushing out the free-enterprising spirit...adversely affecting the attitudes and mentalities of Upstaters, especially.
(To be continued)
