The Vance Model

   

   Based on his work on the eastern seaboard of America, Vance (1970) developed a five-stage
   “mercantile“ model to illustrate the development ot transport links and the growth ot the
   urban hierarchy in North America. Although primarily concerned with trade, his model is
   important in that it stresses the impact ot exogenous forces on the evolution ot transport
   networks and their associated spatial patterns.

   

   1.      In the initial stage, an accumulation of wealth in Europe prompted overseas expansion
   of an exploratory nature.

   

   2.      Stage 2 sees the beginnings ot the transatlantic trade routes based on the one-way
   trade in staple products such as fish, furs and timber.

   

   3.      From 1620 permanent settlement occurs in North America: this results in Atlantic trade
   in both directions as settlers begin to produce commodities for export and consume
   manufactured products from a rapidly industrializing Europe (stage 3). Internal transport
   links are limited but all are externally orientated, a process that results in linear patterns
   both along the coast and stretching into the interior.

   

   4.      The fourth stage ot the model is characterized by the development of internal trade
   and an internal manufacturing industry. Despite the lessening of mercantile ties with Britain
   after 1783, the spatial impact of the first three stages remains strong. The initial points of
   attachment with Europe assume an independent status and, in turn, form the nodes from which
   the interior is settled. Competition between the various coastal settlements resulted in a
   number of east-west penetration routes, first by water, then by rail. The growth of internal
   nodes is also the result of their long external links to the coast and, ultimately, Europe.

   

   5.      The final stage of the model is reached when internal trade dominates North America
   and is matched by a mature transport and urban system in Europe. Although North America was
   eventually to lead the world in transport developments, the historical evolution is still
   apparent in both its transport network and its urban system.