How did the overarching goal of making a profit play a role in Southern Development did that goal divide or unite settlers?

Answer 1

The overarching goal of making a profit significantly influenced Southern development by driving economic activities such as agriculture, particularly in cotton and tobacco production, which required extensive labor and land. This profit motive often created divisions among settlers, as wealthier plantation owners sought to maintain and expand their operations through slavery, while poorer farmers, who lacked the same resources, faced economic challenges and social disparities. Additionally, the competition for land and resources sometimes led to tensions between different groups of settlers, further emphasizing the divide in interests based on economic status. Ultimately, while the pursuit of profit unified some settlers in their economic endeavors, it also exacerbated social and economic divisions within the region.