The differences in the economic development of the mid-Atlantic (Middle Colonies), New England, and Southern colonies can BEST be attributed to the geographic conditions there.
Geographic factors such as climate, soil quality, and natural resources significantly influenced the types of agriculture, industry, and trade that developed in each region. For example, the Southern colonies had a warm climate and fertile soil suitable for cash crops like tobacco and cotton, while New England's rocky soil and colder climate led to a focus on small-scale farming, fishing, and trade. The Middle Colonies benefited from a mix of both, fostering a diverse economy that included agriculture and various industries.