Final answer:
While early colonists in various regions showed a high level of self-sufficiency in food production and some local industries, they were not completely independent from British imports for all consumer goods. Hence, the statement is false as the colonies did import items from Britain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether early colonists were largely self-sufficient rather than dependent on importing consumer goods from Britain can be addressed by examining their practices and economic activities. In the New England colonies, most farmers focused on self-sufficiency due to harsh winters and rocky soil. Although they were self-reliant, these colonies still engaged in shipbuilding and exporting products like whale oil and fish. The middle colonies were known for growing an array of grains and raising livestock, venturing into iron manufacturing as well. Similar self-sufficiency can be seen in the Chesapeake and southern colonies, where besides growing tobacco, they produced a variety of crops and engaged in shipbuilding materials export from forest resources.However, despite the level of self-reliance in food production, the colonial economy was still part of the mercantilist system. Colonies supplied raw materials and engaged in limited local manufacturing that was not in direct competition with English industries. While regional differences in economy meant some colonies developed their industries more than others, it is evident that the colonies were not entirely self-sufficient when it came to all consumer goods and did, in fact, import a range of items from Britain. Therefore, the statement that colonists did not need to import consumer goods from Britain because they were largely self-sufficient is False.