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 soil quality, climate, and access to waterways significantly influenced the types of agriculture and industry that developed in each region, leading to distinct economic practices. For example, the Southern colonies developed plantation economies based on cash crops like tobacco and cotton, while the New England colonies focused on small-scale farming, fishing, and trade, and the Middle Colonies were known for diverse agriculture and commerce.