Agriculture: Farming was the primary economic activity in the English colonies of Virginia and Maryland during the 17th century. Farmers grew crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat to sell and make a profit.
Plantations: Plantations were large farms that focused on cash crops like tobacco. They required intensive labor, often using enslaved Africans, to cultivate these crops for export.
Indentured Servitude: Many people in Virginia and Maryland used indentured servants during this time period. Indentured servants signed contracts to work for a set number of years in exchange for passage to America or other benefits.