Final answer:
The geography of colonial Pennsylvania, with its fertile land and favorable climate, was instrumental in the development of its economy based on agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. The ownership of land by farmers enabled profitable farming, particularly in grain, while other industries like iron manufacturing and merchant trade also thrived due to resource availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Geography on Colonial Pennsylvania's Economy
The geography of colonial Pennsylvania significantly shaped its economy by providing fertile land and a favorable climate for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grain. Family farms were the backbone of the local economy, with most of the agricultural output coming from free labor on these farms. Farmers in Pennsylvania were able to own their land, which, in combination with the long growing season, made wheat and flaxseed especially profitable commodities. Additionally, Pennsylvania's economic growth was tied to other sectors like the fur trade, lumber products, and iron manufacturing, all of which benefited from the region's natural resources.
The relative even distribution of property and wealth in colonial Pennsylvania, termed the "best poor man's country" by geographer James Lemon, contributed to a higher standard of living compared to other English colonies. This wealth distribution also facilitated a cohesive cultural core among the diverse population of the middle colonies. Over time, the ability to sell grain to both internal and external markets, along with the expansion of the merchant class, led to significant economic growth and the development of related industries such as shipbuilding.