The Southern Colonies were a group of British colonies in North America, including Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. These colonies were known for their warm climate and fertile soil, which made them ideal for agriculture. The economy primarily relied on cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo, leading to the establishment of large plantations. The Southern Colonies had a diverse population, including European settlers, enslaved Africans, and Native Americans. The reliance on plantation agriculture resulted in a social hierarchy, with wealthy landowners at the top and enslaved individuals at the bottom. This system significantly influenced the region's culture and economy.