Colonial Economy, Society and Labor · US History

Which of the following best describes the economic differences between the New England and Chesapeake colonies in the 17th century?

  1. New England relied on large-scale tobacco exports; the Chesapeake focused on whaling.
  2. New England had a mixed fishing and trade economy; the Chesapeake relied on single-crop plantations.
  3. The Chesapeake built a manufacturing economy; New England focused on cattle ranching.
  4. Both regions relied equally on indigo and rice for the global market.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: New England had a mixed fishing and trade economy; the Chesapeake relied on single-crop plantations.

New England's rocky soil and cold climate prevented large-scale farming, leading to an economy based on trade, lumber, and fishing. In contrast, the fertile soil of the Chesapeake allowed for a tobacco-based economy that required massive amounts of land and labor.

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