The Development of the United States: A Chronological Synthesis (1607–2024) I. Colonial Foundations (1607–1776) A. European Settlements B. Colonial Society · Economic Diversification: Tobacco (Virginia), Rice (South Carolina), Indigo (Georgia), and later Cotton (post-1793 Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin). · Social Hierarchy: Plantation aristocracy (Southern colonies), Puritan ministers (New England), and frontier settlers (Midwest). · Slavery:…