Which of the following was John Rolfe's chief contribution to Virginia's economy?
A. His innovations in cultivating tobacco
B. His invention of a better way to grow short-staple cotton
C. His innovations in rice cultivation
D. His alliance with the Powhatan through his marriage to Pocahontas
http://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Rolfe_John_d_1622
The Answer is (A)
To determine John Rolfe's chief contribution to Virginia's economy, we need to analyze the options provided:
A. His innovations in cultivating tobacco: John Rolfe is credited with introducing a sweeter strain of tobacco from Trinidad that became hugely popular in Europe. This development greatly increased the profitability of tobacco farming in Virginia.
B. His invention of a better way to grow short-staple cotton: There is no historical evidence to suggest that John Rolfe invented a better way to grow short-staple cotton. Cotton was not a major crop in Virginia during that time.
C. His innovations in rice cultivation: John Rolfe did not play a significant role in the innovation of rice cultivation in Virginia. Rice was primarily grown in South Carolina and Georgia during that period.
D. His alliance with the Powhatan through his marriage to Pocahontas: Although John Rolfe's marriage to Pocahontas did help establish a period of peace and improved relations between the colonists and the Powhatan Confederacy, it did not have a direct impact on Virginia's economy.
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is A. His innovations in cultivating tobacco.