Which colonies were most likely settled for economic reasons rather than religious freedom?

The Southern Colonies, which included Virginia, Maryland, the Carolinas, and Georgia, were primarily settled for economic reasons. The region's economy was largely based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. These crops required a significant amount of land and labor, leading to the establishment of plantation systems and the use of enslaved labor.

In contrast, the New England Colonies were predominantly founded by Puritans seeking religious freedom and a community to practice their faith without persecution. The Middle Colonies had a mix of motivations; while some were established for religious reasons, they also had economic opportunities due to fertile land and diverse agriculture. The term "Western Colonies" often refers to territories that were not formally established as controversial colonies during this period and thus do not fit well into the context of economic motivations for settlement.

Understanding the Southern Colonies' focus on agriculture and the resulting social and economic structures helps clarify why they were primarily settled for economic reasons rather than the pursuit of religious freedom.