Middle Colonies Introduction:
The middle colonies were the most diverse due to non-English immigrants settling for religious freedom. The climate was warmer, with a longer growing season. Middle Colony farmers had an easier time than farmers in New England.
New York & New Jersey
Colonial New York
New York began as the Dutch colony of New Netherlands. Its capital, New Amsterdam, became a center of trade. In 1664, England’s King Charles II granted the right to all the Dutch lands in North American to his brother James. All he had to do was conquer the territory. James sent warships and the Dutch surrendered immediately. The newly English colony was named New York, after James – the Duke of York. The southern part of New York was split off to form a new colony: New Jersey.
New Jersey had fertile farmland and resources that encouraged settlers to stay and farm the land. In addition, they had a charter that protected the religious freedom and right to vote on local matters.
New Jersey had fertile farmland and resources that encouraged settlers to stay and farm the land. In addition, they had a charter that protected the religious freedom and right to vote on local matters.
Pennsylvania & Quakers
William Penn
Quakers believed that all people had a direct link to God, meaning that they did not have ministers to preach the religion. They believed all people were equal in God’s eyes. They were among the first in England to speak out against slavery. Also, women were equal to men in spiritual matters and often held leadership positions in Quaker meetings. While living in England, they were persecuted and forced to pay taxes to the Church of England. William Penn, a Quaker leader, wanted to find a place for Quakers to have religious freedom. In 1681, he was given a charter to settle in what is now Pennsylvania. He established the city Philadelphia which meant “brotherly love” where people of all faith’s could practice their own religion. In 1682, he wrote his Frame of Government for Pennsylvania. It granted the colony an elected assembly, freedom of religion, and stated that land had to be purchased from Native Americans.
Delaware
Imagine that journey just for a meeting!
Delaware was settled by Sweden but the Dutch took control in 1650. The Dutch later lost it to the English when they conquered New York. William Penn’s charter originally included Delaware but due to the distance between the two (100 miles), he allowed Delaware to create its own colonies and have its own representative assembly (government). In 1704, Delaware became a separate colony.
Middle Colonies Way of Life
The fertile soil was well suited for crops like wheat, fruits and vegetables. Farmers grew more than they could use and sold the rest. Due to all the wheat they could grow, these colonies became known as the Bread Basket of North America. Manufacturing was beginning during the 1700s. The largest manufacturers produced iron, flour and paper. People also worked as shoemakers, carpenters, mason, coopers, weavers, and other trades. On a social level, the colonists wore clothes that showed their status or rank (wealthier people wore more expensive clothing). Also, their houses were often made of wood and mud, most did not have windows.