C) They were in the middle of major international trade routes.
Explanation:
The colonial economy depended on international trade. So like the ancient civilizations did, placing their communities next to hydric resources to adapt better and survive, the colonial ones did the same, but this time keeping on mind the different strategic points available across the territory (America) and placing there the communities in order to be benefited at the maximum way possible for different purposes.
This measure (place their settlements in the middle of trade routes) economically boosted the economy and all the trade made in these was the main income of the colonial citizens and communities. Definitely was a huge advantage to locate the new settlements next to trade routes.
