What was the primary cash crop of the Southern colonies in the 17th century?

The primary cash crop of the Southern colonies in the 17th century was tobacco. Tobacco became the foundation of the Southern economy, especially in colonies like Virginia and Maryland. Its cultivation required vast amounts of land and labor, which led to the establishment of plantation systems. The economic success of tobacco encouraged the growth of an export market, with European countries eagerly purchasing it.

While cotton, rice, and indigo were significant crops in later periods, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, tobacco was the dominant cash crop during the 17th century. The introduction of tobacco as a commercial product transformed the social and economic landscape of the Southern colonies.