Why was the economy in the New England Colonies different from the economy in the Middle Colonies? A. The settlers in New England were able to grow abundant crops in the rich soil available there. B. The settlers in the Middle Colonies used resources from the forest to trade for needed goods. C. Religious beliefs affected the type and amount of work people could do. D. The Middle Colonies lacked strong leadership to keep settlers focused on their work.

C. Religious beliefs affected the type and amount of work people could do.

The economy in the New England Colonies was characterized by a focus on trade, fishing, and shipbuilding. The soil in New England was rocky, making large-scale agriculture difficult, so economic activities were diversified.

In contrast, the Middle Colonies, such as Pennsylvania and New York, had more fertile soil, allowing for successful farming. The economy in the Middle Colonies was more agricultural, with a focus on the cultivation of crops like wheat and grains. The diversity of crops contributed to a more varied economy.

Religious beliefs did play a role in shaping the economies of both regions, but the impact was more significant in New England, where the Puritans' emphasis on hard work and thrift influenced economic activities and the development of a mercantile economy. In the Middle Colonies, religious diversity and tolerance allowed for a mix of economic pursuits, including farming, trade, and industry.