Carriage_Stop_2_Philadelphia

Philadelphia

On the front of your postcard, draw
and color a picture of Philadelphia. On
the back write a 3-5 sentence summary
of your carriage stop. Include and
highlight these words: education, climate,
Ben Franklin, government, William Penn,
and assembly.

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Life in the Middle Colonies

The Middle Colonies had rich soil that
made fruit, vegetable and grain crops
profitable to grow. Livestock was
also raised. Extensive forests
provided timber for building. Natural
resources such as coal, iron and
copper where also found in the
region. The many rivers and harbors
made the transportation and shipping
of crops and resources easy. The
Middle Colonies shipped their products
to the other colonies.

The Middle Colonies developed a strong economy with so
many job opportunities in farming, mining and other industries
as well as professional jobs like merchants, lawyers and
teachers. People from many different European countries
were drawn to the Middle Colonies because of the variety
of work. These people brought with them many different
religions, and the customs, traditions and cultures of their
Social home land. The Middle Colonies welcomed these people and
Studies became the most cosmopolitan colonies.
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Government for the Middle Colonies

New York
This colony was founded by the Dutch and called New Netherland. When
the English acquired it King Charles I gave it to his brother, the Duke of
York. The Duke of York kept a large part of this land, and renamed it New
York. New York was divided into sections where colonists could start farms.
The Duke chose the governors. The governors chose a council to help with
decisions. This allowed colonists to elect representatives to an assembly.
These representatives did contribute to lawmaking, but were not very
powerful.
Pennsylvania
William Penn was a Quaker. Quakers were another
group from England who were persecuted for
Pennsylvania their beliefs. The King of England owed Penn’s

family a lot of money, but instead, he gave Penn
land in the New World. This colony was Pennsylvania,
which means “Penn’s woods” People from many
different countries moved to Pennsylvania,
because it was so tolerant. Colonists worshipped
freely. Pennsylvania’s citizens were allowed to vote
for representatives. These representatives had
more power than in other colonies because they
could approve of or reject laws. The
Native Americans were treated fairly. Penn made
Social treaties with them when buying their land.
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Government for the Middle Colonies

New Jersey
The Duke of York gave some of his land to his friends, George Carteret
and John Berkeley. This land was split into two portions, East and
West Jersey. Eventually, these parts were united into New Jersey.
Since Carteret and Berkeley lived in England, they needed governors to
control their land. Following New York’s example, governors picked a council
to make decisions. Like New York, the delegates did not have very much
power.

Delaware
The Duke of York also gave
Penn some more land. At first
this land was part of
Pennsylvania, but after a while,
it became the colony of
Delaware. The state takes its
name from Thomas West, 3rd
Baron De La Warr, an English
nobleman and Virginia's first
colonial governor.

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Education in the Middle Colonies

In the Middle Colonies leaders agreed that education was important
but they were not concerned with providing it. The decision of
whether to educate children was left to individual families until
1683, when a Pennsylvania law was passed. The law required that all
children be taught to read and write and be trained in a useful
trade. Pennsylvania's first school was established that same year.
A variety of local religious groups ran most schools in the middle
colonies and stressed the practical aspects of education. All boys
learned a skill or trade. Depending on their social class, they might
also study classical languages, history and literature, mathematics,
and natural science. Girls were tutored at home in a variety of
household and social skills.

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Philadelphia

William Penn’s and the Quaker’s
fairness helped everyone live together
peacefully. Penn planned the colony’s
first city, Philadelphia. Philadelphia
means “City of Brotherly Love.” This
city became a big trade center
because it had a good harbor. Ships
brought goods from other colonies
and from Europe. Benjamin Franklin
was Philadelphia’s most famous citizen.
He published a newspaper. He also
helped to start Philadelphia’s first fire
company, hospital, and library. Franklin
became famous for his inventions.
Franklin is considered one of the
United States’ Founding Fathers.

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Benjamin
Franklin

Colonial Philadelphia





Franklin's return to Philadelphia, 1785, by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris



The Liberty Bell

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