Discussion: Compare and contrast American colonies
The economy of the southern colonies were based on agriculture. The community was diverse and there were people from all over Europe. Men outnumbered women as more adults were needed for working in plantations. The economy was based on cash crops such as tobacco, rice and indigo. Eventhough, there were institution of indentured servants; later African slaves were brought to work as it found to be more profitable. The economy of the New England on the otherhand was not suited for agriculture. The economy was based on farming, fishing, boat building, and trading. Religion played an important part in the life of the New Englanders. One of the popular trading practices of the New England shippers was the triangular trade.
The geography of the middle colonies was one that of contrast to southern and New England colonies. Land was fertile. Elements of New England colonies and southern colonies were present in the middle colonies. Religious diversity was there in the Middle colonies. There was also religious freedom and tolerance. Manufacturing was there, but there large farms. Cash crops were grown in plenty. Middle colonies was therefore, known as the "bread basket." There was also slavery in the middle colonies, but did not function as a slave society like the southern colonies.