According to E. Perkins, the colonial era is appealing regarding economic history because it represents a study in contrasts. The economy was exceptionally dynamic in terms of population growth and geographical expansion. No major famines, epidemics, or extended wars intervened to reverse or even slow down appreciably the tide of vigorous economic growth. Despite this broad expansion, however, the fundamental patterns of economic behavior remained fairly constant. What was/were the most important feature(s) of the colonial economy and their relationship to the general society?

According to E. Perkins, the colonial era is appealing regarding economic history because it represents a study in contrasts. The economy was exceptionally dynamic in terms of population growth and geographical expansion. No major famines, epidemics, or extended wars intervened to reverse or even slow down appreciably the tide of vigorous economic growth. Despite this broad expansion, however, the fundamental patterns of economic behavior remained fairly constant. What was/were the most important feature(s) of the colonial economy and their relationship to the general society?