Which states are included in the Southern Colonies?

The correct answer identifies Virginia, Maryland, Carolina (which refers to both North and South Carolina collectively), and Georgia as the states that are classified as part of the Southern Colonies. This classification is historically significant because these states shared geographical similarities, cultural traits, and economic structures centered around agriculture and plantation systems, especially focusing on cash crops like tobacco and rice.

Virginia and Maryland were among the earliest settlements in the Southern Colonies, with Maryland established as a haven for Catholics. North Carolina and South Carolina, which were originally part of the same colony before 1729, developed lucrative rice and indigo plantations. Georgia was the last of the thirteen colonies to be established, initially serving as a buffer state against Spanish Florida and a place for debtors.

While the other choices include some correct elements, they are not as comprehensive. For instance, the first option ignores Georgia, while the third option incorrectly includes Delaware, which is traditionally categorized as part of the Middle Colonies. The last option includes states that do not fit the traditional definition of Southern Colonies, such as Alabama and Florida, which were established later and are not typically grouped with the original Southern Colonies during the early colonial period.