Evaluate the factors that contributed to the success of colonial American economies.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the factors that contributed to the success of colonial American economies. There may be different approaches to this question as candidates may choose to discuss one economy in depth or offer a broader discussion of two or more. Either of these approaches is valid. In relation to some areas, candidates may argue that the success of colonial economies depended on the exploitation of minerals and relate it to their importance in mercantilist policies. In others, they may consider the availability of agricultural land and the production of valuable commodities, such as tobacco and sugar, for transatlantic trade. Indigenous or slave labour may be considered as a necessary factor to exploit the resources. Candidates may refer to the economic contribution of silver mines or slavery if relevant. The control of transatlantic trade may also be addressed.