Question

Look at these graphs.

Pie chart of Southern colonies exports by value. Tobacco is almost 50 percent while rice is about 25 percent. The remaining 25 percent consists of: Bread, Flour, Grain not rice; Indigo; Other.

Pie chart of New England colonies exports by value. Dried fish and whale oil account for almost 50 percent while Other products are 25 percent. The remaining 25 percent consists of Livestock and Wood products.

What is the most likely reason why Southern colonies had such different exports from those of New England?

New England colonists were not able to farm.
The colonies had different growing seasons.
New England colonies had limited access to waterways.
Southern colonies did not have a plantation system.

Answer 1

The most likely reason why Southern colonies had such different exports from those of New England is that the colonies had different growing seasons.
In the Southern colonies, the warm climate and longer growing season made it ideal for cultivating cash crops like tobacco and rice. These crops were in high demand and could be exported for profit. The pie chart shows that tobacco accounted for almost 50 percent of the Southern colonies' exports by value, while rice made up about 25 percent. These crops were able to thrive in the Southern colonies due to the longer growing season and suitable climate.
On the other hand, the New England colonies had a colder climate and On the other hand, the New England colonies had a colder climate and shorter growing season. This made it difficult to grow cash crops like tobacco and rice, which require a longer period of warmth to mature. Instead, the New England colonists focused on other industries such as fishing and whaling.
The pie chart reveals that dried fish and whale oil accounted for almost 50 percent of the New England colonies' exports by value. These industries took advantage of the region's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the availability of fish and whales.
Therefore, the different growing seasons in the Southern and New England colonies played a significant role in shaping their respective economies and exports. The Southern colonies' warm climate allowed for the successful cultivation of tobacco and rice, while the colder climate in the New England colonies led to a focus on fishing