Session 4: Exploration
and Colonization
The Middle Colonies
Class Objectives
• Locate and Identify the 5 Middle Colonies and the 3 major
port cities.
• Identify the 3 major religious or ethnic groups that settled in
the Middle Colonies
• Define 5 key aspects of society in the Middle Colonies
• Compare Puritan and Quaker Society
• Define 4 key aspects of the economy of the Middle Colonies.
The Middle Colonies
• Made up of New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland
and Delaware
• Based on their proximity to
natural ports, cities such as
Baltimore, New York City and
Philadelphia emerged as major
centers for commerce and trade.
• The Middle colonies included
many characteristics similar to
settlements in New England and
the South.
The Middle Colonists
• 1. The Quakers (1660’s)
– Left England and Germany for religious
reasons.
– Settled mainly in Pennsylvania
• 2. The Catholics (1630’s)
– Left England for religious purposes
– Settled in Maryland
• 3. The Dutch (1620’s)
– Came to the Americas for economic
purposes, mainly as traders
– Set up major trade port on Manhattan
Island (New Amsterdam) as well as posts
in present day New Jersey and Delaware.
Quaker Society
•
Religious Principles:
– Supported churches without ministers
– Promoted freedom of religion,
pacifism,equality and cooperation, love for the
fellow man.
•
Political Methods:
– Led by William Penn, developed a
government based on representative assembly.
– Philadelphia became the capital for the
Quaker society which Penn called his “holy
experiment.”
•
Social Characteristics:
– Welcomed all into the Quaker society
including Native Americans.
– Flexible society led to the formation of a strong
middle class.
Activity
• Alone or with a partner, using your notes and pp.49-59 in
your text compare Puritan Society and Quaker Society.
• Fill out the Venn Diagram provided with 4 differences
each in religious, political and social aspects of society.
•
Find least 2 similarities between Puritans and Quakers.
• You have 10 minutes to complete this activity.
Economy of the Middle
Colonies
•
Geographic Conditions:
– Various land conditions and a moderate climate
allowed for a mixed economy of agriculture and
commerce.
•
Types of farming:
– Small scale farming produced a variety of goods
like wheat, corn and livestock.
•
Goods produced:
– Mix of crops as well as various craft and artisan
goods.
•
Labor force:
– Mix of professional artisans and craftsmen as
well as indentured servants and some slaves in
certain regions.
Check for Understanding
• What are the 5 Middle Colonies and what are the 3 major
cities?
• Who are the 3 major groups to settle the Middle Colonies?
• What are the major characteristics of Quaker
society…religious, political and social
• What are the major similarities and differences between
Quaker and Puritan society
• What are the 4 main aspects of the economy of the Middle
Colonies.
Homework Assignment
• Choose one of the following colonies: Virginia
(Southern), Massachusetts (New England) or
Pennsylvania (Middle) and develop a travel
brochure that contain the following
information…
– 3 economic characteristics, 3 social characteristics, 3
geographic characteristics, 3 graphic depictions, 2
extra pieces of information, 1 cover sheet/colony
slogan.
• Due: Wednesday, September 16th
and Thursday, September 17th
Next Class
• Homework: Note Check
(5 points), Colony Travel
Brochure (15 points)
• Test Review
• Test: Wed/Thu 23rd and
24th