Colonial America: Economy and Society

What defines a colony?

• A place settled by people from their home country.

• A place settled by a group of people outside their home country and ruled by that home country.

• A place where people can freely practice their religion.

• A place known for its rich soil and warm climate.

What was a primary reason people settled in the New England Colonies?

• To find rich soil for growing cash crops.

• To establish large port cities for trade in textiles and iron.

• To practice their religion freely.

• To work as slave laborers on plantations.

Which of the following best describes the economy and population of the Middle Colonies?

• Primarily focused on whaling and fishing with a homogeneous population.

• Based on large plantations growing cash crops with a mostly enslaved workforce.

• Characterized by diverse populations and industries like factories, merchants, and grain production.

• Known for rocky soil and cold climate, making farming difficult.

What was the primary economic activity in the Southern Colonies, and what type of labor was predominantly used?

• Fishing and shipbuilding, using free labor.

• Factories and artisan crafts, using paid labor.

• Large plantations growing cash crops, using enslaved African labor.

• Small family farms growing diverse crops, using indentured servants.