Mid-Atlantic (Middle) Colonies

New Amsterdam

New Amsterdam

Mid-Atlantic Colonies Power Point Presentation | Mid-Atlantic Colonies Detailed Lesson Plan

Colonies

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Delaware

Climate and Geography

The Middle colonies spanned the Mid-Atlantic region of America and were temperate in climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Geography ranged from coastal plains along the coastline, piedmont (rolling hills) in the middle, and mountains farther inland. This area had good coastal harbors for shipping. Climate and land were ideal for agriculture. These colonies were known as the "breadbasket" because of the large amounts of barley, wheat, oats, and rye that were grown here.

Religion

Religion in the Middle Colonies was varied as no single religion seemed to dominate the entire region. Religious tolerance attracted immigrants from a wide-range of foreign countries who practiced many different religions. Quakers, Catholics, Jews, Lutherans and Presbyterians were among those religious groups that had significant numbers in the middle colonies.

Economy

The Middle Colonies enjoyed a successful and diverse economy. Largely agricultural, farms in this region grew numerous kinds of crops, most notably grains and oats. Logging, shipbuilding, textiles production, and papermaking were also important in the Middle Colonies. Big cities such as Philadelphia and New York were major shipping hubs, and craftsmen such as blacksmiths, silversmiths, cobblers, wheelwrights, wigmakers, milliners, and others contributed to the economies of such cities.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why were the Middle Colonies called the "breadbasket" colonies?
  2. How did religious freedom make the Middle Colonies different from others?
  3. What were some of the main jobs people had in Middle Colony cities?
  4. How did the geography and climate help the Middle Colonies succeed?

Glossary

  • Temperate – A mild climate with warm summers and cold winters.
  • Piedmont – An area of rolling hills between the coast and the mountains.
  • Breadbasket – A nickname for a place that grows a lot of grain and food crops.
  • Religious tolerance – The acceptance of different religious beliefs and practices.
  • Craftsmen – Skilled workers who make or fix things by hand, such as blacksmiths or cobblers.

Colonies

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Delaware

Climate and Geography

The Middle Colonies were located in the Mid-Atlantic region and had a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The geography included coastal plains, rolling hills (called piedmont), and mountains farther inland. This region had good harbors for trade and fertile soil that was great for farming. These colonies were known as the "breadbasket" because they produced lots of barley, wheat, oats, and rye.

Religion

Religion in the Middle Colonies was very diverse. No single religion dominated, and people were allowed to practice different beliefs. This religious freedom attracted immigrants from many countries. Groups like the Quakers, Catholics, Jews, Lutherans, and Presbyterians all lived in the region.

Economy

The Middle Colonies had a strong and varied economy. Most people were farmers who grew grains and oats. Other important industries included logging, shipbuilding, textile production, and papermaking. Cities like Philadelphia and New York were major trade centers, and many skilled workers such as blacksmiths, silversmiths, cobblers, and wigmakers helped support the economy.

 
Mid-Atlantic Colonies Literacy Activities