Which Southern colony was heavily reliant on the plantation system, particularly rice production?

The Southern colony that was heavily reliant on the plantation system, particularly for rice production, is South Carolina. Established in the 17th century, South Carolina’s geography and climate were particularly suited for rice cultivation, which became a significant part of its economy. The introduction of African slave labor in the early 18th century allowed for the establishment of large plantations, further intensifying rice production and creating a social and economic structure that revolved around this crop.

The focus on rice in South Carolina led to the creation of a distinct agricultural system that depended on intensive labor and had profound effects on the colony's demographic patterns, culture, and economy. This system contributed to the development of a wealthy elite who controlled vast tracts of land and relied on enslaved Africans for labor, setting the stage for the plantation economy that would dominate the Southern colonies.

In contrast, while Georgia and Virginia also had some agricultural production, their economies were not as singularly focused on rice cultivation as South Carolina's was. North Carolina had a more diversified agricultural economy and did not develop the plantation system to the same extent.