T H E E S P N FA C T O R S O F T H E M I D D L E C O L O N I E S Economic

Social

Political

ENvironment

ECONOMIC FACTORS:

Part of the economy was agricultural. The rich soil

helped the economy. Wheat and other grains were

grown on farms in Pennsylvania, New York and New

Jersey.

Farmers in the Middle Colonies grew wheat, barley,

oats, rye, and corn. The Middle Colonies were often

called the "breadbasket" because they grew so much

food.

Fishing was also important to these colonies as well

as having access to the Atlantic for importing and

exporting goods.

SOCIAL

Villages and towns in the Middle colonies had

common areas. Here, children played, tutors

instructed students, and families gathered to

discuss the news of the day.

Games kids played included tag, marbles,

hopscotch, hide-and-seek, and other names

familiar to kids today.

They didn't really have toys, so they often

made their own or played outdoor games that

didn't require toys.

RELIGIOUS

The Middle colonists were a mixture of

religions, including Quakers (led by

William Penn), Catholics, Lutherans, Jews,

and others.

Back then, going to church was a very

important affair, and people believed that it

should be an all-day event.

FYI- Quakers allowed girls to be

educated.

POLITICAL FACTORS

Government in the Middle Colonies was “controlled” by

a governor (appointed by William Penn) who could veto

laws passed by the council (appointed by Penn) and a

popularly elected assembly that could check the council.

Colonists were not forced to go to church• i.e. Religious Freedom

Colonists did not have to pay taxes to support the church• i.e. No taxation w/o representation

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

The Middle Colonies had large ports.

It also had rich rolling farm land.

Check For Understanding?

Why would ports be important?

Why would farmland be important?