One significant benefit of the New England climate for the colonists, when compared to Virginia, was the cooler temperatures and shorter growing season, which helped reduce the prevalence of certain diseases. The cooler climate limited the spread of malaria and other infectious diseases that thrived in the warmer, more humid conditions of Virginia, where swampy areas could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This resulted in a healthier population in New England compared to the southern colonies, allowing settlers to establish more stable communities. Additionally, the New England climate encouraged diverse economic activities such as fishing, shipbuilding, and trade, which were less prominent in Virginia's agrarian economy.
What was a benefit of the New England climate to the colonists when compared to Virginia?
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