At the beginning of the 1800s, most enslaved people lived on large farms called plantations, growing crops such as rice, corn, and tobacco. but soon, a new crop became more important than any of those.

at that time, businessmen in the northeastern united states and in europe were building cloth factories. they needed large amounts of cotton to make their cloth, so cotton became more and more valuable. cotton plants grow best in warm climates with a long growing season, or a long period of time without frost. they also need high levels of summer rainfall.

which region had the best climate for growing the cotton needed by new factories?

a. northwest

b. upper south

c. northeast

d. lower south

(explain your thinking)