Which of the following best describes the economies of the Southern colonies?

Answer 1

The economies of the Southern colonies were primarily agrarian, relying heavily on plantations and the cultivation of cash crops. This agricultural system was supported by a labor force that evolved from indentured servitude to the extensive use of enslaved African labor. Key cash crops included tobacco, rice, and indigo, which were exported to Europe and other markets, making the Southern colonies economically distinct from the more industrialized and urbanized Northern colonies. The plantation economy created a social structure where wealthy landowners held significant power and influence, leading to a society that was largely rural and dependent on agriculture.