The document discusses the environment and economy of the Southern Colonies, which included North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia. The warm climate was suitable for agriculture and cash crops like tobacco, cotton, indigo and rice grew well, though the heat also brought diseases. Plantations reliant on indentured servants and slaves dominated the economy. Forests and coastal land provided additional natural resources for the colonies.

1. The Southern Colonies

2. The Southern Colonies North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Maryland Virginia

3. Background info The environment impacted the economy and agriculture of the Southern Colonies; farming was an important way to make a living because of it's climate and geography The climate of the Southern Colonies was the warmest climate of the three colonial regions The warmer climate was a positive factor for the colonists in the Southern Colonies. They didn't worry as much about surviving cold winters The warmer climate was a negative factor for the colonists in the Southern Colonies; the warm, moist climate carried diseases that killed the colonists The geography of the Southern Colonies which had a broad, coastal plain that was hilly and covered with forests The natural resources of the Southern Colonies included rich farm land, forests and fish

4. Economy of The Southern Colonies The economy of the Southern Colonies was driven by plantations, initially worked by indentured servants, a labor force which was largely replaced in the early 18th century by slaves imported from Africa, except for Georgia, where most plantations were worked by debtors.

5. Cash crops of the South Tobacco Cotton Indigo Rice