Middle Colonies Characteristics

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The development of the Southern, Middle, and New England colonies each had their own separate and distinctive characteristics. Each colony maintained their own identity, but stilled shared some similar characteristics. The geography of the colonies helped to determine their economic ventures. Diverse nationalities brought together different groups of people, who had various religions and ideas that help contribute to the growth of the colonies. Politics played a role in how the colonies evolved. The colonies developed in similar and dissimilar ways due to geography, economics, nationalities, religions, and politics. Southern colonies also known as plantation colonies were founded by businessmen who wanted to make money. They brought their…show more content…
People who came didn’t bring their families with them. These colonies enjoyed fertile soil and mild climate which provided excellent conditions for the growth of wheat and grain . Three of the colonies New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey got the nickname “bread colonies”. Abundant amounts of forest created a bountiful industry for shipbuilding and lumbering. Indentured servants were commonly used slaves were used as well. The Middle colonies in general were home to the misfits and undesirables. The Middle colonies were very diverse ethnically. New York’s and Pennsylvania’s population for example included Dutch, Swedes, French, English, German, Welsh, and Scots, and Irish. Pennsylvania was created as a refuge for the Quakers. the Middle colonies were home to Jews, Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Huguenots, and Lutherans. They contained one of the most tolerant colonies, Rhode Island. Pennsylvania as carpentry, blacksmith, and shipbuilding. This helped the colonies to thrive and become th welcomed all people with open arms. This attracted people who were skilled in different trades such e most populous colony. Elementary schools were established however education didn’t compare to that of the New Englanders. Middle colonies became who home to the “misfits” people who were being persecuting or didn’t like the government found refuge…show more content…
New England appealed to well off colonists of the middle class. The cold climate help prevent the spread of bacteria. Land there was mostly hilly and had poor rocky soil, not suitable for growing crops. New Englanders used their natural resources including fish and furs to make a living. Fish their becomes a major industry. The dense forest their provided timber for shipbuilding. People did their own work and did not use slaves as a labor force. Life was centered around the religion. For instance, in Calvinism the harder the you work the more favors you received from God. This established the basis for a good work ethic. Education was very important in New England life. Towns of more than fifty families were required to have an elementary education. The first college was established in Massachusetts, Harvard. College was intended to prepare men for clergy positions. Women were considered didn’t have property rights and were considered to be weaker to men. Democracy could be seen in its’ earliest forms in New England. Town meeting were held were adult males
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