Question

several port cities in these colonies had a growing merchant class that sold barrels, candles, horseshoes, and nails. middle colonies new england southern colonies

Explanation:

The New England colonies had port cities (like Boston) with a growing merchant class involved in trades of items like barrels, candles, horseshoes, and nails. The Middle Colonies had more diverse trade including grains, and the Southern Colonies focused on plantation - based exports (tobacco, rice, etc.). So the correct option is New England.

Answer:

B. New England (assuming the options are labeled as A. Middle Colonies, B. New England, C. Southern Colonies for clarity, with the original options presented as above)