Middle Colonies Farms and Cities

Wealth of Resources Immigrants were Dutch and German farmers- skills and knowledge would result in abundance of food. Longer growing season than New England Fertile soil Fruits, vegetables and grains were grown

Importance of Mills Gristmill- place where farmers brought corn, rye, wheat to be ground to make flour. Mills were important to daily life Human, animal, water powered to turn the grinding stones. Many mills built along rivers to harness water power.

Cities Prosper Excellent harbors in New York City and Philadelphia allowed for trade. These cities grew rapidly. Philadelphia was the fastest growing city in the colonies. Home to 12 shipyards. New York port handled flour, furs bread, whale oil trades.

A Diverse Region Many different ethnic groups English 39% German 18% Dutch 10% Scots-Irish 9% African 7% Each group brought different skills and trades Because it was so diverse, the groups had to accept each other.

A Climate of Tolerance Middle Colonies 1 st settlers- the Dutch and the Quakers practiced religious tolerance. These groups set up the expectation of tolerance Also, there were so many different ethnic groups it was difficult for one group to gain substantial power.

African Americans in the Middle Colonies Unfortunately, the attitude of tolerance did not prevent slavery. There were still tensions between the races and sometimes they ended in violence.