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 conditions influenced the types of agriculture, trade, and industry that could flourish in each region. For example, the fertile soil and climate of the Southern colonies supported large-scale cash crops like tobacco and rice, while the rugged terrain and colder climate of New England led to a focus on small-scale farming, fishing, and trade. The Middle Colonies had a mix of both approaches, benefiting from rich farmland and the ability to engage in trade.