Overview
This lecture covers the history, settlement, and distinct characteristics of the Middle Colonies (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware), highlighting their diversity, economic development, and comparisons with New England colonies.
The Dutch and New Netherland
- The Middle Colonies were located between New England and the Southern colonies, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
- New Netherland (New York and New Jersey) was initially settled by the Dutch, led by Henry Hudson searching for the Northwest Passage.
- The Dutch East India Company established New Amsterdam as a trading center on Manhattan Island in 1626.
- The Dutch purchased Manhattan from the Lenape, leading to future land disputes and some conflict with Native Americans.
- Strict company controls limited local democracy and trade in New Netherland.
- The patroonship system attempted to recreate feudalism but failed due to lack of appeal and enforcement.
- New Amsterdam was diverse and tolerant but suffered from corrupt, unpopular leadership.
English Takeover and the Rise of New York and New Jersey
- In 1664, the English peacefully took New Netherland, renaming it New York, and later split off New Jersey.
- English rule allowed more local governance, elected assemblies, and a constitution for colonists.
- New York and New Jersey were sometimes governed together, but New Jersey gained more autonomy due to neglect.
- Border disputes led to prolonged conflict between New York and New Jersey settlers.
Pennsylvania and Delaware: The "Holy Experiment"
- King Charles II granted land for Pennsylvania to William Penn, a Quaker, to repay a debt.
- The Quakers, or Society of Friends, promoted equality, pacifism, and religious tolerance.
- Pennsylvania was founded as a haven for religious minorities and as a "Holy Experiment" of moral society and economic prosperity.
- Philadelphia, the capital, became a center for tolerance and good Native American relations.
- Delaware was added to provide sea access, and eventually gained its own assembly and autonomy from Pennsylvania.
Unique Aspects of the Middle Colonies
- Middle Colonies were the most demographically and religiously diverse, attracting many ethnic and religious groups, including Germans ("Pennsylvania Dutch"), Irish, Scots, French, and the first Jews and Muslims.
- Slavery in the Middle Colonies focused on skilled urban labor, making manumission easier than in the South.
- The economy included farming (mainly food), shipbuilding, textiles, and merchant shipping, making the region wealthy and urbanized.
- The Middle Colonies' diversity and urbanization contrasted with the more homogenous, agrarian New England and Southern colonies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- New Netherland — Original Dutch colony including modern New York and New Jersey.
- Dutch East India Company — Wealthy trading company that founded New Amsterdam.
- Patroonship — Dutch feudal land system granting estates to wealthy men who brought settlers.
- Quakers (Society of Friends) — Religious group supporting equality, pacifism, and plain living.
- Holy Experiment — William Penn’s plan for a society based on religious freedom and moral conduct.
- Pennsylvania Dutch — German-speaking immigrants (mainly Mennonites and Amish) in Pennsylvania.
- Manumission — The act of a slave owner freeing their slaves.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review maps of the Middle Colonies and major cities.
- Compare and contrast colonial regions in a chart for class discussion.
- Prepare for next lecture on the Southern Colonies.