Questions and Answers
What are the characteristics of the middle colonies?
Who was Henry Hudson?
An Englishman employed by Dutch East India Company who sailed into Delaware and New York bays in 1609 and traveled up the Hudson River.
What was New Netherlands?
A colony established in 1623-1624 in the Hudson River by Peter Minuit for the Dutch West India Company.
What is the significance of Manhattan Island in history?
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What was New Amsterdam?
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What was a patroonship?
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What were some threats to Dutch settlement?
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Who was Peter Stuyvesant?
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What did Charles II do in 1664?
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What was the New York Chamber of Liberties?
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What were limitations of the New York Chamber of Liberties?
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When did New York become a royal colony?
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What was Leisler's Rebellion?
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What was the significance of Leisler's Rebellion?
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What other rebellions followed Leisler's Rebellion?
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What inspired Leisler's Rebellion?
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Who were the Quakers?
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Who was William Penn?
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What was the primary motive for the founding of Pennsylvania?
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What were secondary motives for the founding of Pennsylvania?
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How was Pennsylvania advertised as a colony?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of the Middle Colonies
- Known as the "bread colonies" due to fertile land suitable for grain farming.
- Three major rivers (Susquehanna, Delaware, Hudson) facilitated fur trade.
- Society less aristocratic compared to New England and Southern colonies.
- More industries than Southern colonies, but fewer than New England.
- Key activities included shipping and commerce.
- Population was diverse, ethnically mixed, and religiously tolerant with democratic governance.
Henry Hudson
- English explorer employed by the Dutch East India Company.
- Sailed into Delaware and New York bays in 1609, exploring the Hudson River.
New Netherlands
- Established between 1623-1624 by Peter Minuit on the Hudson River.
- Created by the Dutch West India Company aimed at profitable fur trading.
Manhattan Island
- Acquired from Native Americans for approximately $30.
- The land transaction did not have legitimate ownership claims from the selling tribe.
New Amsterdam
- Founded as a company town and sea port, run by the Dutch West India Company.
- Initially lacked religious toleration, free speech, and democratic practices.
Patroonship
- An aristocratic system that resembled serfdom.
- Allowed large estates to promoters who settled 50 people on their lands.
Threats to Dutch Settlement
- Native American tribes retaliated against Dutch violence by massacring settlers.
- New England settlers were hostile towards Dutch expansion.
- Swedish settlers encroached on Dutch territory in the Delaware River.
Peter Stuyvesant
- Led military expeditions to end Swedish colonization in 1655.
- Oversaw the absorption of New Sweden into New Netherlands.
Charles II
- Ordered the military removal of the Dutch from New Netherlands in 1664.
- Peter Stuyvesant surrendered without resistance; New Netherlands was renamed New York.
New York Chamber of Liberties (1683)
- Enacted freedom of religion for all Christians and granted suffrage to landholders.
- A significant step toward establishing democracy in New York.
Limitations of the New York Chamber of Liberties
- Wealth was concentrated in a small number of landowners.
- Retained feudalistic traits more than other Northern colonies, akin to Southern plantation systems.
New York as a Royal Colony
- Became a royal colony in 1685 when James II ascended the throne.
- Flourished under English rule, engaging in profitable trade with Iroquois and attracting agricultural workers.
Leisler's Rebellion (1691)
- Occurred in New York City, rooted in discontent among lower classes against elite landowners.
- Jacob Leisler governed from 1689-91, introducing democratic reforms.
- English government sought to remove Leisler; armed resistance ensued but rebellion failed, leading to his execution.
Significance of Leisler's Rebellion
- Highlighted the growing dissatisfaction of lower classes towards the privileged elite.
- Echoed earlier conflicts like Bacon’s Rebellion.
Subsequent Rebellions
- Followed by conflicts such as the Carolina Regulator Movement in 1739 and the Paxton Boys rebellion in Pennsylvania in 1764.
Inspiration for Leisler's Rebellion
- Influenced by the Glorious Revolution in England and the dismantling of the Dominion of New England.
Quakers
- Non-conformist group that opposed authority and church taxes.
- Pacifists advocating for passive resistance, equal treatment, and simple democratic values.
- Faced persecution in various colonies for their beliefs and practices.
William Penn
- Received a land grant in 1681 as repayment for a debt owed to his father.
- Founded Pennsylvania primarily as a refuge for Quakers.
Primary and Secondary Motives for Pennsylvania's Founding
- The primary motive was to create a safe haven for Quakers.
- The secondary motive involved experimenting with liberal governance while seeking profit (termed "Holy Experiment").
Advertising Pennsylvania
- Promoted through pamphlets in England, the Netherlands, France, and Germany.
- Promised land, religious freedom, and a representative government, enticing many settlers.
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Explore the distinct features of the middle colonies through these flashcards. Learn about their agricultural significance, demographic diversity, and economic activities that set them apart from New England and Southern colonies.
