What were the main economic differences between New England and southern colonies?

The main economic differences between New England and the southern colonies revolve around their primary economic activities and geographic conditions. New England's economy was largely based on trade, fishing, and small-scale farming due to its harsh climate and rocky soil, which limited large-scale agricultural production. The region developed a diversified economy that included shipbuilding and commerce, leveraging its coastal location for trade.

In contrast, the southern colonies were characterized by the establishment of large plantations, predominantly dedicated to the cultivation of cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. This plantation economy relied heavily on slave labor and was less diversified compared to New England's economic structure. The southern colonies’ geography, with a warmer climate and fertile soil, made them suitable for the extensive agriculture necessary for such plantations.

Thus, the correct answer highlights that New England's economy depended on trade and commerce, while the southern colonies focused on large-scale agricultural production, which defined their economic landscape. This distinction illustrates the contrasting development patterns that would shape regional identities, economic practices, and social structures in colonial America.