Question

The economy of the Middle Colonies differed from the economy of Virginia described in the excerpt in that the Middle Colonies more often

A.) relied on enslaved labor in cities
B.) imported enslaved Africans
С.) engaged in trans-Atlantic commerce
D.) purchased land from Native Americans

Answer 1

The Middle Colonies differed from Virginia's economy by engaging more often in trans-Atlantic commerce, blending indentured servitude and slavery, and having diversified agricultural practices in profitable family farms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing the economies of the Middle Colonies to the economy of Virginia during the colonial period, one distinct difference is the Middle Colonies' engagement in trans-Atlantic commerce. The labor patterns established by Historian Richard S. Dunn reveal that the Middle Colonies exhibited a unique blend of indentured servitude and slavery, with indentured servants often preferred, especially in urban centers. While slavery was still important in the Middle Colonies' economy, with slaves living in both urban and rural settings and working as domestic servants, laundresses, dockworkers, and field hands, the region was more diverse in its labor arrangements. Agriculture in the Middle Colonies was varied, with many farmers growing various crops and raising livestock on family farms. These farms were often profitable, as they required fewer workers and the farmers typically owned their land.