The Middle Colonies: The Birthplace of American Religious Pluralism Unit 1 Lecture

I. Characteristics of the Middle Colonies Economy: Social Hierarchy: Population: Colonies: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware Economy: Excellent land for farming, region became known as the “bread colonies” for exports of grain, also grew fruits and vegetables. Fewer industries than New England, but more than in the south. Shipbuilding and lumber were important along with fur trading. Social Hierarchy: Less aristocratic than New England the southern colonies. Land holdings were intermediate in size. Population: More ethnically diverse; religiously tolerant; democratically controlled. Yet, there was factional conflict among groups.

II. New York New Netherlands: New Amsterdam: Patroonship Cosmopolitan Town New York Chapter of Liberties (1683) Economy Flourished New Netherlands: Founded in 1623 – 1624 along the Hudson River by the Dutch West India Company. Land was bought from the Indians for about $30. New Amsterdam: Founded as a sea port and later became NYC. There was little religious toleration, free speech or democratic practices. Promoted Patroonship: Vast feudal estates given to people who settled property with 50 people or more on them. Eventually died out after protests. Cosmopolitan Town: By 1640s, 18 different languages existed in region and very ethnically diverse (European) New York Chapter of Liberties (1683): Granted freedom of religion to all Christians Important step in leading to eventual democracy in New York Limitations: a) much land in the hands of a few landholders b) NY retained feudalistic traits more than any other colony in the north Economy Flourished: under English rule, profiting from trade with the Iroquois and attracting settlers who expanded the agricultural base.

III. William Penn 1681 Founding: Holy Experiment: Advertising: secured immense grant from the King in return for money owed to his father. Wanted to set up a Haven for the Quakers Holy Experiment Pennsylvania was seen as the holy experiment to test religious toleration among many denominations Advertising Became best advertised colony Distributed countless pamphlets in English, Dutch, French and German – promised a land of freedom and representative government Had very liberal land policies which attracted many immigrants Paid Indians ample compensation for their land - only colony to do so. Had very good relations with the Indians. By 1700, Pennsylvania was the fourth largest colony (behind Mass, VA and MD). Quakers were shrewd businessmen and exported a lot of grain. Attracted a very large German population.

IV: Pennsylvania Founding (1681) Quakers: Beliefs: Prosecuted: Quakers: Non-conformists in nature: more radical rebels against authority than Puritans Refused to support the Church of England with taxes Had no elaborate church, ministers or clergy Beliefs: Pacifists: refused military service and advocated passive resistance Believed in an “inner light” – insisted that all men were created equal in the eyes of God. Allowed anyone who felt moved to “speak the spirit.” Believed in simple democracy and sought religious and civic freedom Prosecuted for being seen as a danger to society