How did the search for a viable labor force affect the development of the Southern colonies?

Answer by  sadasada (146)

The Southern colonies developed with a focus on agriculture as the primary economic activity. Unfortunately, technology to decrease the labor demands of agriculture were not yet invented in the colonial period. As a result, Southern colonies turned to the slave trade to meet the labor demands of their economic activities.

Answer by  sonicfoundation (2597)

Being able to find a large cheap labor source was instrumental in the development of the agricultural economy of the South. They found this is slavery. Farming is a low margin business and maintaining slavery was very important to maintaining their economy.

Answer by  KMcRae (714)

The Southern Colonies, in contrast to New England and Middle Colonies, were primarily utilized for farming. This necessitated a large, cheap workforce and helped contribute to the introduction of slavery.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

Due to the hot conditions and purely agrarian conditions with fewer profit opportunities but farming, fewer colonists wanted to settle in the South. Because of malaria and yellow fever outbreaks, those settlers who did come had a higher death rate. Africans were brought in as indentured (contract) labor due to malaria resistance, and it evolved into slavery (never freed).