Question

Economic activity in the New England colonies relied heavily on trade in part because -

A) New England had abundant natural resources for self-sufficiency.
B) The New England colonies were primarily focused on agriculture.
C) New England lacked the necessary seaports for trade.
D) The New England colonies had limited arable land for farming.

Answer 1

The New England colonies relied on trade because of the limited arable land for farming, turning to industries such as whaling, fishing, and shipbuilding within the framework of the mercantilist system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Economic activity in the New England colonies relied heavily on trade, particularly because the New England colonies had limited arable land for farming due to long winters and rocky soil.

While most farmers in New England grew crops for self-sufficiency rather than for market, the region excelled in other areas such as whaling, fishing, and shipbuilding. The region's economic activities were constrained by the unforgiving land but bolstered by the thriving mercantilist system imposed by England.

This system sought to obtain raw materials at a lower cost from the colonies and, in turn, sell manufactured goods back to the colonies at higher prices, creating a favorable balance of trade for England.