would the historical development of the new england have been different if the puritans had developed a profitable cash crop like tabacco or rice

Yes, the historical development would have been different if new England grew profitable cash crop.

Explanation:

The economy of southern colonies and the colonies of New England were very different from each other. In the southern colonies, there were profitable cash crops grown which gave large employment opportunities to the slaves in the colony.

On the other hand, the colonies of New England did not grow profitable cash crops like tobacco. It grew food only for their own use and raised livestock. So as a result of this, the economy of the New England colonies were not so developed and did not give much employment to the people. So, if the colonies of New England grew cash crops, the economy would have been more developed and rich.