The Middle colonies | Period 2: 1607-1754 | AP US History | Khan Academy

Summary

In the 1600s, the Middle Colonies of North America, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, stood out for their proprietary nature and religious tolerance. Founded by individuals like William Penn, these colonies welcomed a diverse population, including Quakers and other religious minorities. Pennsylvania, in particular, advertised for skilled workers and became a haven for religious freedom, with a mixed economy of farming and industry. The Middle Colonies' moderate climate made them ideal for agriculture, especially cereal crops, earning them the nickname 'Breadbasket Colonies.' They also boasted a balanced class structure and significant ethnic diversity, setting them apart from their northern and southern counterparts.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Middle Colonies, including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, were unique for being proprietary colonies owned by individuals rather than companies or the crown.
• 🌳 Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, who was granted land by the king of England to settle a debt, aiming to create a haven for Quakers and other religious dissenters.
• 🕊️ Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, believed in the equality of all people and faced religious persecution in England for not adhering to the Church of England.
• 🌐 Penn's vision for Pennsylvania extended religious tolerance to all, making it one of the most diverse and tolerant colonies at the time, even allowing Catholics and Jews, though they had limited rights.
• 🏙️ Philadelphia, the principal city of Pennsylvania, became the largest city in North America before the Revolution, attracting settlers with its promise of religious freedom and economic opportunity.
• 🌾 The Middle Colonies had a balanced economy, excelling in agriculture, particularly cereal crops like wheat, and benefiting from the timber industry due to the region's abundant forests.
• 🚢 The excellent ports in Philadelphia and New York City made the Middle Colonies a hub for trade, contributing to their economic prosperity.
• 🏡 The land ownership patterns in the Middle Colonies reflected the region's agricultural focus, with farmers owning more land than those in New England but less than the large plantation owners in the South.
• 🌡️ The climate of the Middle Colonies was mild, neither too cold like the North nor too hot like the South, making it ideal for a variety of agricultural pursuits.
• 🌐 The Middle Colonies were ethnically diverse, with inhabitants from various European backgrounds and Africans, leading to a multicultural society that was relatively uncommon during that period.

Q & A

What were the Middle Colonies, and which colonies were part of this group?

The Middle Colonies were located in the central part of the eastern seaboard of North America. They included Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.

What was unique about the Middle Colonies compared to the northern and southern colonies?

The Middle Colonies were proprietary colonies, meaning they were owned by individuals who had the authority to set their own rules. This autonomy resulted in more ethnic diversity and religious tolerance compared to the northern and southern colonies.

Who founded Pennsylvania, and under what circumstances?

Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, who was granted the land by the king of England in exchange for a debt owed to Penn’s father. William Penn, a Quaker, sought to create a haven for religious dissenters.

Why were the Quakers persecuted in England, and what were their religious beliefs?

Quakers were persecuted because they did not follow the Church of England, which was seen as rebellion against the king. They believed in the inner light of God in all people, promoted equality, and allowed women to preach.

What made Pennsylvania's approach to religious tolerance radical for the time?

Pennsylvania extended religious tolerance not only to Quakers but also to all Protestants. Even Catholics and Jews were welcome, though they could not vote or hold office, which was unusual in a time when most nations had state religions.

What kind of settlers did William Penn hope to attract to Pennsylvania, and why?

William Penn hoped to attract industrious people, such as carpenters and blacksmiths, to help make Pennsylvania a prosperous colony. The colony's tolerance and availability of cheap land also drew settlers.

What nickname was given to the Middle Colonies, and why?

The Middle Colonies were nicknamed the 'Breadbasket Colonies' because they were known for growing cereal crops like wheat, thanks to their fertile soil and favorable climate.

How did Quaker beliefs impact their relations with Native Americans and their stance on slavery?

Because Quakers were pacifists and believed in equality, they lived peacefully with Native Americans in the early years of settlement. They also opposed slavery, unlike other colonies that relied heavily on enslaved labor.

What made the Middle Colonies' economy and class structure distinct?

The Middle Colonies had a mixed economy of both farming and industry, with moderately sized farms compared to New England and the South. Their class structure was more balanced, with a significant middle class and less extreme wealth disparity.

How did the Middle Colonies compare in terms of ethnic diversity and religious tolerance?

The Middle Colonies were the most ethnically diverse, with less than half of the population of English origin by the time of the American Revolution. They also offered more religious tolerance than either New England or the Southern Colonies.