Question

What role did geography play in the growth of three distinct cultural regions in the English colonies?

A. The three regions were separated by large, fast-moving rivers leading to separate cultures.
B. The New England and Southern colonies were heavily influenced by their French and Spanish neighbors leading to cultural differences.
C. Large mountains separated the three regions leading to little contact between them.
D. Geography and climate determined what kinds of crops could be grown, leading to differing structures for economies and settlements.

Answer 1

D. Geography and climate determined what kinds of crops could be grown, leading to differing structures for economies and settlements.

New England was rocky and could grow a few food crops. The economy was based on these small family farmers as well as a profitable lumber industry connected to trade and shipping.

The Southern colonies were swampy but had good conditions for cash crops like tobacco, rice, and sugar. The economy of the South was built on cash crops and a high demand for labor. Labor was first filled by indentured servants but eventually moved into a racially-based slave system.

Answer 2

The best option would be that "D. Geography and climate determined what kinds of crops could be grown, leading to differing structures for economies and settlements," since the South was far more fertile than the North.