Final answer:
In 1800, most Americans earned a living through farming, which was the primary economic activity during that time. However, different regions engaged in various forms of agriculture and other industries such as whaling, fishing, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1800, most Americans earned a living through agriculture, specifically farming.
In the New England colonies, farmers grew crops for self-sufficiency and engaged in whaling, fishing, and shipbuilding for the export market. In the middle colonies, farmers grew grains, vegetables, flax, and hemp, and raised livestock. The Chesapeake colonies focused on tobacco production but also raised other crops. In the southern colonies, they relied on forests for export goods and participated in the deerskin trade.
Manufacturing and commerce began to rise following the War of 1812, with mills being built in New England and specialized, repetitive tasks assigned to wage laborers. However, agriculture continued to be the main source of livelihood for most Americans until the late 19th century.