Economic Difference Between North And South Colonies

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To further understand the economic difference between the Southern and Northern colonies, one must apprehend the societal difference between the colonies. Another factor that played into the different economies is the environments. The lower south colonies were more of a country life whereas in the north and mid- Atlantic, the colonist lived a more city like lifestyle. These different characteristics had a major impact on the economic difference of the colonies. Unlike southern colonies, northern colonies environment could not sustain agricultural crops. Therefore, the colonist would have to resort in using the water systems near them, as well as manufactures. The south was the source of agricultural production while the north was the source of industrial manufacturing. As far as environment wise, the northern colonies was mostly made up of mountains and had a much cooler climate. The northern colonies also lack suitable soil for crops, their soil was way too thin. These environment features were a disadvantage for an agricultural based economy. The southern colonies however were …show more content…
Northern industries paid their workers for labor, but in the south labor was done for free. This form of labor was cheap and profitable for farmers in the south. In the north labor was costly which was another disadvantage for the north economy. An additional source of income for the southern colonies was slave trade. As mentioned previously, farmers from the south used slaves for cheap labor. How do these farmers go by getting these slaves? It is through the process of slave trade. Slave trade was a leading industry alone in the south. African American slaves was a double plus for plantation owners. Not only did they provide cheap labor in the south, but they also were “gold mines” in trading. North colonies did not use slaves as much so this too would be a reason behind their lingering