Overview
This lecture examines the development of the English Empire’s middle colonies (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware), their economic and social diversity, the impact of the English Civil War and Glorious Revolution, and the emergence of a distinct British identity among colonists.
The Middle Colonies: Economy & Diversity
- Middle colonies (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware) are defined by economic and ethnic diversity.
- Key economic activities: iron production (protoindustry), fur trade with Native peoples, and exportable grain (mainly to the Caribbean).
- Enslaved labor existed but was less central than in the South; port cities like New York and Philadelphia had notable enslaved populations.
- Settlement patterns mixed: large urban centers (Philadelphia, New York) and scattered rural farms.
- Middle colonies lacked the strict religious or social hierarchy of New England.
Society, Religion, and Tolerance
- Religious diversity was high; strong faith communities but no dominant church as in New England.
- Quakers (notably in Pennsylvania and New Jersey) emphasized equality, partly visible in women’s participation in worship.
- Other groups (e.g., Moravians from Germany) promoted equality, as shown in traditions like flat grave markers.
- The region was a "land of middling tradesmen and farmers," suggesting relatively broad economic equality.
- Ethnic diversity was greater here than in the North or South, leading to a unique tradition of religious freedom and tolerance.
Relations with Native Peoples
- Initial relationships with Native Americans were peaceful and cooperative, especially under the Quakers and Moravians.
- Fur trade and land settlement patterns fostered coexistence rather than displacement or violence.
- Positive relations show conflict was not inevitable; economic and cultural factors allowed alternative models of interaction.
The English Civil War & Restoration
- The English Civil War (1627-1688) led from the Stewart monarchy to republican rule, then restoration of the monarchy.
- The Glorious Revolution (1688) replaced James II with William and Mary, establishing constitutional monarchy and shared governance with Parliament.
- These changes increased rights and parliamentary power, setting an example for colonial self-government.
Colonial Autonomy and British Identity
- Colonies enjoyed "salutary neglect," developing self-governance as long as economic benefits flowed to England.
- Attempts at royal control (e.g., Dominion of New England) were resisted and ultimately overturned by colonists.
- After 1707, colonists identified as British, united by being Protestant, prosperous, and "free" (the "three P’s" of Britishness).
- Colonists distinguished themselves from "others" (French, Spanish, Native Americans) in religion, prosperity, and perceived freedom.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Restoration Colonies (Middle Colonies) — English colonial region including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, noted for diversity.
- Quakers — Religious group emphasizing equality and tolerance; influential in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Moravians — Protestant denomination from Germany, promoting equality and missionary work among Native Americans.
- Salutary Neglect — British policy of minimal interference in colonial affairs as long as economic interests were maintained.
- Glorious Revolution (1688) — Bloodless overthrow of James II in favor of William and Mary, establishing constitutional monarchy.
- Constitutional Monarchy — Government where monarch shares power with an elected parliament.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review maps of colonial settlement patterns for ethnic and religious diversity.
- Revisit textbook sections on the English Civil War and Glorious Revolution.
- Prepare to discuss how British identity formed in the American colonies.