WEST-E Social Studies Practice Test

Virginia and Maryland's economies differed from those of New England in the early eighteenth century primarily because these colonies focused on the cultivation of a single staple crop, particularly tobacco. This agricultural practice was highly labor-intensive and relied on a system of plantation farming, which became the economic backbone of these southern colonies. The production of tobacco not only dominated their economies but also necessitated the use of enslaved labor, shaping the social and economic structures of Virginia and Maryland.

In contrast, New England's economy was more diverse and did not center around a single crop. Instead, New Englanders engaged in a mix of activities including small-scale farming, fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. This allowed for greater economic resilience and adaptability in the region, as they were not solely dependent on one product. The difference in agricultural focus underscores the distinct economic strategies and environments that characterized the southern colonies compared to New England.