Which of the following statements best explains how the environment influenced economic and social development in the Southern Colonies?

A. The lack of fertile land made trade and mining more important to the Southern economy, and merchants and miners gained additional power.
B. Lack of access to seaports prevented the South from interacting with other regions, which slowed their economic and social growth.
C. Longer growing seasons and fertile soil created a plantation economy and social classes divided by race.
D. Rocky soil and access to fresh water allowed rewarded shipbuilders and fishermen with large amounts of power and wealth.