Colonial America: Economy and Society

Front

Colder, longer winters: New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, Southern Colonies

Back

New England Colonies

Answer explanation

The New England Colonies experienced colder, longer winters compared to the Middle and Southern Colonies, which had milder climates. This distinct climate influenced agriculture and settlement patterns in the region.

Front

Dense forests with lots of trees

Back

New England Colonies

Answer explanation

The New England Colonies were characterized by dense forests and abundant trees, which provided resources for shipbuilding and fuel. In contrast, the Middle and Southern Colonies had different geographical features and vegetation.

Front

Wide open plains, good for planting crops like grains

Back

Middle Colonies

Answer explanation

The Middle Colonies had wide open plains ideal for agriculture, particularly for growing grains. In contrast, the New England Colonies had rocky soil and the Southern Colonies focused on cash crops like tobacco.

Front

Humid and hot summers and moist soil, best for planting cash crops

Back

Southern Colonies

Answer explanation

The Southern Colonies had humid and hot summers with moist soil, making them ideal for planting cash crops like tobacco and rice, unlike the cooler climates of New England and the Middle Colonies.

Front

Rocky soil, not good for planting any crops

Back

New England Colonies

Answer explanation

The New England Colonies are characterized by rocky soil, making it difficult to grow crops. In contrast, the Middle and Southern Colonies had more fertile land suitable for agriculture.

Front

Centralized towns allowed direct democracy to be possible. Which region does this refer to? Options: New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, Southern Colonies

Back

New England Colonies

Answer explanation

The New England Colonies had centralized towns that facilitated direct democracy, allowing residents to participate actively in local governance through town meetings, unlike the more rural and dispersed Southern and Middle Colonies.

Front

Spread out population on large plantations led to representative self-governments being formed

Back

Southern Colonies

Answer explanation

The Southern Colonies had large plantations that required a spread-out population, leading to the formation of representative self-governments to manage local affairs effectively.

Front

Natural Harbors caused fishing, whaling, and trading to be their primary economic activities. Which colonies are being described?

Back

New England Colonies

Answer explanation

The New England Colonies had natural harbors that facilitated fishing, whaling, and trading, making these activities central to their economy, unlike the Middle and Southern Colonies which focused on agriculture.

Front

Had a great diversity to economic and political activities due to the different conditions throughout the region. Options: New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, Southern Colonies

Back

Middle Colonies

Answer explanation

The Middle Colonies had a great diversity in economic and political activities due to their varied geography and climate, which supported different types of agriculture and trade, unlike the more homogeneous New England and Southern Colonies.

Front

Large plantation farming was the backbone of their region. Options: New England Colonies, Middle Colonies, Southern Colonies

Back

Southern Colonies

Answer explanation

Large plantation farming was primarily associated with the Southern Colonies, where crops like tobacco and cotton were cultivated on a large scale, making it the backbone of their economy.