What economic activity characterized the Southern Colonies during the colonial period?

The Southern Colonies during the colonial period were characterized primarily by agricultural plantations. This economic activity was driven by the region's favorable climate and fertile soil, which enabled the cultivation of cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. The planting and harvesting of these crops typically required extensive labor, which was often met through the use of enslaved Africans, making the plantation system a central aspect of both the economy and society in the Southern Colonies.

In contrast, the other options represent economic activities more prevalent in different regions or periods. For instance, industrial manufacturing was more characteristic of the Northern Colonies, which were developing a more diverse economy focused on trade and small-scale manufacturing. Similarly, fishing and whaling were significant industries in New England, due to its access to the sea and the abundance of marine life. Mining for gold was more associated with specific regions and time periods, such as the Gold Rush in the 19th century, rather than being a defining feature of the Southern colonial economy.