Southern Colonies Economy

While under English control, each of the three regions of colonial America developed its own economic system- plantation agriculture was based in the Southern colonies, but other sectors of the economy flourished in the Northern and Middle colonies (along with some forms of agriculture). The natural resources that were available at the time provided the foundation for each region’s unique specialty. However, one could argue that these economies eventually led to the development of certain social issues within colonial society, such as the cruelty of slavery, the Salem Witch Trials, and even the lack of available labor in Maryland. The Southern Colonies were established mainly for economic reasons and they relied heavily on natural resources

The economy was based on fishing, lumber, whaling, boat building, craftsmen, merchants, and small farms- the region utilized its natural resources (including the valuable Atlantic Ocean), which was shown by the presence of small villages and farms throughout New England. This allowed for life to revolve around the village community and the Church, since each family received several parcels of land for agricultural purposes. Under Puritanism, which controlled many aspects of the colonists’ daily life (including the economy), the Salem Witch Trials began in 1692. Several older women were accused of being witches by some young girls and, during the witch hunt, nineteen people were hanged and one was crushed to death under a rock. This occurred due to intensifying social conditions, inflicted by the Church and the Puritans in Massachusetts, and it created more of a distinction between classes, especially economically. It also should be noted that many of the economically prosperous colonists in Salem were accused of witchcraft- yet another example of economic stratification found in the New England

Since it was easier to grow grain and livestock in the Mid-Atlantic region, there was a diverse group of farmers, fishermen, and merchants who worked in those colonies. The environmental conditions were ideal for farms of various sizes and the Middle colonists could trade in market areas where the colonial regions met. Although a lot of money could be made by growing tobacco (in Maryland especially) and other cash crops, they were bad for the soil and people needed more land. However, this resulted in a newfound lack of labor, which was an issue. For instance, families procreated too slowly, there was a high infant mortality rate, African slaves cost too much, and, according to the colonists, Native Americans didn’t make good slaves. Eventually white indentured servants from Europe were recruited to work on plantations, but it was a difficult life for them- even after they were freed they continued to earn low wages. This high demand of cash crops in Maryland and other Middle colonies led to an overall decline in the wellness of the