Question

how did geography affect the development of industry in new england?
slow - flowing rivers and streams prevented the use of water as a power source.
the small number of ports limited transportation and trade.
large deposits of coal there kept factories running at full production.
rocky soil and an unpredictable climate made it unsuitable for commercial agriculture.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: New England has fast - flowing rivers, so this option is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 2: New England has many ports, so this option is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 3: New England did not have large coal deposits; it relied on other energy sources like water power initially, so this option is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 4: New England has rocky soil and a climate that is not very suitable for large - scale commercial agriculture. This led people to turn to industry as an economic alternative.

Answer:

D. Rocky soil and an unpredictable climate made it unsuitable for commercial agriculture.