Which best describes the economy of the middle colonies during the 1600s and 1700s? a. the middle colonies experienced economic stagnation as farmers struggled with difficult soil and weather conditions. b. the middle colonies experienced economic growth as sugar and cotton plantations flourished. c. the middle colonies experienced economic growth as cities such as new york and philadelphia became centers of trade. d. the middle colonies experienced economic stagnation as attacks by american indians impeded steady trade with europe.