The Middle colonies were a subset of the Thirteen Colonies, located between the New England Colonies and the Southern Colonies. Much of the area was part of the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam until the British exerted their control over the region. The Middle colonies, like Delaware, New York, and New Jersey, were founded as trade centers, while Pennsylvania was founded as a safe haven for Quakers.
The Middle colonies attracted a diverse group of European migrants, including Germans, Scots-Irish, French, and Swedish families, along with English migrants.
Economy
The Middle Colonies had much fertile soil, which allowed the area to become a major exporter of wheat and other grains. The lumber and shipbuilding industries were also successful in the Middle Colonies because of the abundant forests, and Pennsylvania was moderately successful in the textile and iron industries. To fuel their industries, the Middle Colonies employed indentured servants.