MIDDLE COLONIES

GEOGRAPHY  Glaciers from the North brought fertile soil from New England to the Middle Colonies. In addition because they were further south, the growing season was much longer with lost of sunlight and rain. This made the middle east ideal for farming. Farmers also had a convenient means to transport their goods to the markers, where the crops were sold, and supplies were purchased. This method of transportation was traveling on wide rivers like the Delaware and Hudson River. The farmer also had access to wildlife. They took advantage of this and many animals were hunted and trapped.

POLITICS NEW YORK  This colony was founded by the Dutch and called New Netherland.  Eventually, the Duke of York kept a large portion of this land and renamed New York.  New York was divided into sections on which colonist could start farms.  The Duke of York was the proprietor of the colony, but resided in England, because of this he chose governors.  These governors chose a council to help with decisions.  The proprietor allowed colonist to elect representatives to an assembly.  These representatives did contribute to lawmaking, but were not very powerful

NEW JERSEY  The Duke of York gave some of his land to his friend, George Carteret and John Berkeley.  This land was split into two portions, East and West Jersey. Eventually, these parte were united into New Jersey.  Since George Carteret and John Berkeley lived in England, they needed governors to control their land.  The proprietors still allowed to elect delegates to represent them like New York they didn’t have very much power.

PENNSYLVANIA  William Penn was a Quaker, Quakers were another group from England who were persecuted for their beliefs.  The King of England owed Penn’s family a lot of money, but instead he gave him land in New World.  This colony was Pennsylvania. The citizen from here were allowed to vote for representatives and assembly.  These representative had more power, they could approve or reject laws. The native Americans were treated fairly.  Penn made treaties with them buying their land.

 DELAWARE  The Duke of york also gave Penn some more land. At first this land was part of Pennsylvania, but after a while, it became the colony of Delaware

THE LIFE IN THE MIDDLE COLONIES  In the Middle Colonies, there were a lot of diversity: Catholics, English and Slaves shared the land. This was because some of the proprietor believed in religious tolerance though some didn’t care as long the people paid for their land.  Some wealthy people worked in the cities although must colonists were farmers.  Most farmers grow enough for their family and a surplus which they could sell. In fact the grew enough wheat and grain for bread the Middle Colonies were known as the “Breadbasket” of the thirteen colonies.

This would be what your basic family/settlement place would be. A little farm to take care of your livestock animals, house, and a backyard.

 In a farmer’s life, young boys and girls had many chores. Boys helped grow and harvest plants, while girls did some housework and sewing and mending clothes. Both children could help care for animals.  New York and Philadelphia were Middle colonist’s biggest cities, this was because they were the center of trade with all harbors in import and export goods.  Most parents believed children should learn to run family farm instead of going to college.