Impact of Agricultural Labor on Southern Colonial Society

Throughout the 17th century, the Southern Colonies exhibited a range of socio-economic trends that were heavily influenced by their agriculture-based economy. The reliance on cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo created a distinct class structure and labor system. Notably, as these agricultural practices expanded, landowners sought laborers to cultivate their farms, leading to an increased reliance on indentured servitude and, eventually, African slavery. This economic dependence shaped the social fabric of the Southern Colonies and laid the groundwork for future societal conflicts.

Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the primary way in which agricultural labor shaped colonial society in the Southern Colonies?