Socio-economic Characteristics of the Chesapeake Colonies

During the early colonial period, the Chesapeake colonies, primarily Virginia and Maryland, developed a unique socio-economic structure influenced by their geography and labor needs. The cultivation of tobacco became the dominant economic activity, shaping both the demographic and social frameworks of these colonies. Settlers were drawn to the region for the promise of wealth, but the reliance on cash crops led to the emergence of a plantation system that significantly impacted labor practices, including the introduction of slavery.

Which of the following statements best captures a notable characteristic of the Chesapeake colonies during the 17th century?