Colonial Economy Economic Diversity South Agriculture North Commerce

Colonial Economy

Economic Diversity: -South= Agriculture -North = Commerce -Towns and cities develop along water

Economy • Mercantilism – Economic policy – Europe – Way to get rich – Export more than you import Effect= Britain creates rules for colonial trade

Commerce and Immigrants (New England) • Port cities – Boston – Immigrant population increases due to religious freedom and economic opportunities (German, Scotch-Irish, Dutch) – More towns in North than Southern colonies – Use town meetings to govern

New England Colonies • Shipbuilding • Fishing • Smaller farms self-sufficient

Middle Colonies’ Economy • Diverse in people and business • Less slaves – Shops, homes and farms

Middle Colonies’ Economy • Farming – Wheat, barley, rye • Commerce – Access to water – Shipping overseas – New York and Philadelphia

Southern Economy • John Rolfe and tobacco – Virginia, Maryland, NC • Plantations develop – Need for labor – Indentured servants • Agree to work for landowner • 4 -7 years – slavery

Southern Plantation Systems • Exported cash crops to make money • Creates: (1) Large farms around rivers (2) Need for lots of labor (3) Wealthy class of plantation owners

Slave Trade • First slaves were captured Native Americans • African slave trade flourished by 1700 s • Slaves endured a harsh voyage: Middle Passage • Widespread use in Southern colonies