Final answer:
The New England economy developed through a focus on trade, manufacturing, and shipbuilding, influenced by its rocky soil and harsh climate, which were not ideal for large-scale farming unlike other regions that relied more on agriculture and slave labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The New England economy developed mainly due to its focus on trade and manufacturing, rather than relying heavily on agriculture. This was largely influenced by New England's geographical features, including long winters and rocky soil, which made large-scale agriculture less profitable. New Englanders instead turned to activities like whaling, fishing, and particularly shipbuilding, for which they could find a market domestically and internationally. This was in line with the mercantilist system of the time, where colonies provided raw materials to fuel the industrial growth of their respective colonial powers and facilitated trade.
In stark contrast to the agricultural economies of the South that relied more on slave labor and large plantations, New England's development was characterized by smaller farms primarily aimed at self-sufficiency, and an economy that leveraged the skilled labor force for industries like shipbuilding. As time passed, with advances in transportation and the market revolution, the New England economy diversified and became less reliant on foreign imports, developing a strong industrial and commercial sector.