Final answer:
Tobacco was the primary cash crop in the Chesapeake Bay region during the colonial era. Its production was labor-intensive and led to a significant increase in the slave trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary cash crop in the Chesapeake Bay region during the colonial era was Tobacco. Tobacco production was labor-intensive and required clearing land, caring for plants, and curing and packaging the leaves. The demand for tobacco grew rapidly, leading to a significant increase in the slave trade in the region.