Question

Europeans established various colonies, economies, and systems of trade in the “New World.” Analyze the economies that developed in early America, including in New England, the backcountry region, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern Colonies. Consider the geography, climate, and the people of each area.

Answer 1

The climate and geography of the New England colonies had short farming seasons and long and cold winters, with rocky lands and forests. Since the small farms could only provide food and support a family, economy was based on hunting in the forests and fishing. Thus, the primary economic activities were lumbering, fishing, whaling, fur trading and ship building.

The Middle colonies had longer farming seasons and very fertile land, which allowed them to grow grain and livestock.Besides, the colonies were near lakes, rivers and the Atlantic ocean, so they sometimes traded raw materials for manufactured goods.

Finally, the Southern colonie's weather was warm and sunny, with coastal plains and forests, which permitted large tobacco, rice and corn plantations