USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -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 were also called the “Breadbasket colonies” because of their fertile soil, ideal for farming.

Detailed explanation-2: -Economy of the Middle Colonies The middle colonies combined characteristics of the New England and southern Page 2 colonies. With a good climate and rich land, farmers there could grow large amounts of staple crops-crops that are always needed. These crops included wheat, barley, and oats.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main cash crops in the middle colonies were grains such as wheat, rye, and oats. Because the middle colonies grew large amounts of grains, they were called “the bread colonies."

Detailed explanation-4: –By the early 1700s, more than 20, 000 colonists lived in Pennsylvania. Farms were so productive that farmers grew more than they could use and sold the balance. Wheat, the top cash crop, was sold to customers in New England and abroad. That is why the Middle Colonies were called the “breadbasket of the colonies.”