Final answer:
Colonial stability in North America was promoted by economic growth through the trade network established by mercantilist policies but was undermined by British political control and restrictions, which led to unrest and the American desire for independence. South America maintained cultural uniqueness influenced by colonialism and the physical environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of British North America, colonial stability was simultaneously promoted and undermined by a variety of factors related to mercantilism and governance. Stability was promoted through the economic growth stemming from the trade network established by the Navigation Acts, which enhanced the standard of living for many colonists. Manufactured goods were exchanged for raw materials produced by the colonies, leading to an interconnected economic relationship that benefited both sides.
However, stability was undermined by the tightening political control of the British over the colonies, particularly after the French and Indian War. The enforcement of taxes and trade regulations without local representation, such as in the case with virtual representation, and the Crown's restrictions on westward expansion, sparked significant unrest. These policies helped to blunt the positive impacts of mercantilism and led to growing calls for independence, thereby laying the foundations for the American Revolution.
To address the question of how regions have retained cultural uniqueness, South American regions developed unique cultural attributes influenced by the physical environment and colonialism. Ethnic majorities based on colonial development have maintained cultural identities.