Common
Characteristics
of the Middle Colonies
- The
Mid-Atlantic colonies were proprietary colonies established during the reign
of Charles II (aka Restoration Colonies).
Charles distributed land to his loyal followers and also used the
colonies as a means to get rid of “problem” populations within
England
(ex. Quakers).
- Settlers
usually organized themselves in small farms spread throughout the colony.
Pennsylvania
became the most populous of the colonies.
- Mid-Atlantic
region was dominated by larger farms than
New England
, smaller than the S.; still there is an
emphasis on subsistence rather than cash crops. Settlement patterns
generally revolve around single family farms (around 50 -150 acres).
·
The Middle colonies were settled
by different nationalities (Dutch, English, Swedes, etc.) so there is greater
emphasis on religious toleration and cultural diversity.
This is especially true in the colony of
New York
. However,
this means that the middle colonies are not as cohesive as the colonies located
in
New England
. (i.e. heterogeneous rather than homogenous)