Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What was the main commodity that the New England colonies relied upon due to poor soil?

1. Tobacco

2. Cotton

3. Fish and timber

4. Wheat

The correct answer is: Fish and timber

The New England colonies, characterized by their rocky and less fertile soil, turned to commodities that were better suited for their geographic and climatic conditions. Fish and timber became the mainstays of the economy in this region. The abundance of fish in the coastal waters led to thriving fishing industries, particularly in species like cod, which was not only consumed locally but also exported to Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, the dense forests provided timber that was essential for shipbuilding and construction, fueling economic development. This reliance on fish and timber contrasts markedly with the cultivation of tobacco or cotton, which thrived in the more favorable climates and soils of the southern colonies. Unlike wheat, which was significant in other regions, New England's agriculture focused more on subsistence farming and the production of livestock, rather than large-scale grain production. Thus, the natural resources of the New England colonies and the necessities of their economy drove them towards these specific commodities.