What Were The Defining Characteristics Of The Middle Colonies In The 1600s

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In the 1600s the English colonized America all down its east coast broken up into certain regions with defining traits. The middle colonies were somewhat different then the other English colonies with their diverse religious and ethnic standings, emphasis on subsistence farming and democratic coalitions. Being more stable than the other colonies, whom spread out very haphazardly with many conflicts arising from it. With the whole world exploring and colonizing, England needed more stable colonies if they had wished too expand their empire. One of the defining traits of the middle colonies was its immeasurable tolerance towards many nationalities and religions. Written freedom of religion laws were present for new arrivals from various protestant denominations. Settlers in middle colonies came from England, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and German states. along with being tolerant to Europeans these middle colonies were also much more hospitable with the natives when they first settled. slavery was frowned upon by most and was felt that it went against gods law. This made for a melting pot of races and religions all working towards a permanent and successful colony. …show more content…

The slaves that were present worked mostly in construction factories and labor camps. But slavery was almost objectified in the middle colonies with most preferring indentured servants. Indentured servants were skilled workers who would work for a period of time for passage into a colony or a place to stay. The main Trade here was agricultural, as these colonies had much fertile soil and livestock even being dubbed the “bread basket” of the colonies. Wheat, corn, beef and pork being the most popular of trade. Lumber and shipbuilding was also a large facet too. Providing a bustling economy that was successful for many years to