The Middle Colonies
Founders- Samuel de Champlain explored new York in 1608, England won the claim dispute of the land because John Cabot claimed the land in 1497, and Henry Hudson claimed the land as well.
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Reasons founded- Land grants and freedom from religious persecution.
Class Structure- Lower class was sailors and apprentices, middle class was farmers and merchants, and upper class was rich and educated with a variety of jobs. There was also slavery of natives and African Americans, the majority of the population was white Europeans.
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Jobs- famers, tradesmen, fur trappers, and craftsmen
Products imported/exported- wheat, grain, cattle, vegetables, tobacco, flax, lumber, fish, iron, and rum
Commerce/Business- Lumber, shipping, trade, farming
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Main Religious Groups- puritan and catholic- there was a large variety because of the strong religious tolerance throughout the colonies.
Church Life- Not very specific, everyone's religion was accepted and there was equality between religions
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Geographical Features- Swampy, forested, fertile soil, Hudson river, rolling hills, hot and humid summers, cold snowy winters.
Natural Resources- cash crops, lumber, cattle, grain
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Government Structure- Some political freedom throughout the colony, usually a governor (elected by free white men) made all the laws, there was also elected representatives in some areas.