Geography
Delaware was a Middle Colony founded in 1638. Like the other middle colonies, Delaware had fertile soil brought by Northern glaciers. It also had a longer growing season with ample sunshine and rain. These conditions were ideal for farming. Additionally, the Delaware river and proximity to sea enabled transportation. The access to wildlife also enabled hunting and trapping.
Political Features
Delaware was less aristocratic than the New England and Southern colonies. This colony was governed by Pennsylvania, where they had the same legislative assembly. In 1701, Delaware was given the right to its own legislative assembly. The two shared the same government until the American Revolution.
Economic Features
Delaware had a mixed economy based on industry and agriculture. There were fewer industries than New England colonies, but more than the Southern colonies. The industry focused on Shipbuilding, lumbering, shipping and commerce. The agriculture included an export of grain. The middle colonies were also known as the "Bread colonies." They had wheat, oats, barley, and rye. Fruits and vegetables were also due to the export of grain. The middle colonies typically had medium sized farms.
Social and Religious Features
Delaware had a greater ethnic and religious mix. It, along with the other Middle Colonies, was often called the "Melting Pot" with settlers coming from Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Scotland, and France. Therefore it was culturally and religiously tolerant.
Delaware had many class struggles. It comprised mainly middle class families who resented the pretentious upper class. The upper class tried to recreate the social separation of England, but was unsuccessful because there were too many people to be subjucated. Democratic traditions also blocked complete upper class control.
Delaware had many class struggles. It comprised mainly middle class families who resented the pretentious upper class. The upper class tried to recreate the social separation of England, but was unsuccessful because there were too many people to be subjucated. Democratic traditions also blocked complete upper class control.