U.S. History STAAR Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

The Carolinas were originally founded primarily for trade and religious freedom. In the 1660s, the region was granted to eight Lords Proprietors by King Charles II, who aimed to cultivate a profitable colony through agriculture and trade. The economy was initially centered around the export of commodities such as rice and indigo, which were highly sought after in European markets. Furthermore, the settlement attracted individuals seeking religious tolerance, particularly Quakers, Huguenots, and others who were marginalized in England, thus contributing to the diverse social fabric of the colonies.

This emphasis on commerce and the search for a place where various religious groups could practice freely highlights the driving forces behind the Carolinas' establishment. The importance of trade routes and commerce was fundamental to the colony's development, making it a significant player in the economy of the southern British colonies.