The Middle Colonies included Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, which had a more diverse society and religious tolerance than New England due to influences from Poland, England, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. The climate supported a longer growing season compared to New England, allowing the Middle Colonies to become the commercial and agricultural center of the 13 colonies known for exporting grains like wheat and rye.

1. Middle Colonies

2. The Middle Colonies Pennsylvania New York New Jersey Delaware

3. Background info Society in the middle colonies was far more varied, cosmopolitan and tolerant than in New England. Pennsylvania and Delaware owed their initial success to William Penn.

4. The Middle Colonies The Middle Colonies were the most ethnically and religiously diverse of the thirteen original colonies because of the influence of their Polish, English, Dutch, French and German origins The Middle Colonies were tolerant of various religions and ethnic populations

5. The climate and economy of the Middle Colonies Considered the commercial center of the eastern North American colonies Known as the "bread basket" of the thirteen colonies because of their large grain export The climate in the Middle Colonies was relatively hot, allowing for a longer growing season It was warmer than its northern counterpart New England but cooler than the Southern colonies, helping stop the spread of disease Compared to New England, the soil was much more fertile and less rocky

6. Pioneer families planted crops such as: Maize Wheat Rye Potatoes Peas Flax