They brought supplies. In the holds of their ships, the early settlers brought axes, shovels, hammers, nails, other tools, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, seed from English plants, and as many personal belongings as they could afford. They were reasonably well equipped to start a new life in the wilderness.

The colonial era spanned 1492–1763. During this time, colonists came from many different countries to create new lives. The people spoke different languages, followed different religions, and had different customs and traditions. This lively mixture led to a vibrant and ever-changing social structure.

Religion also played a major role in shaping some local cultures; many people who colonized North America were fleeing religious persecution in their home country and implemented strict religious-based rules in the colonies where they settled.

People could move up by owning land and by owning slaves. What did the middle class consist of? They were small planters, independent farmers, and artisans.

They were the gentry, the middle class, and the poor. The highest class was the gentry. They could vote. They were rich enough to own their own mansions and carriages.

It had very rich soil.

The land in the middle colonies was very great for farming. Many immigrants wanted this land because they realized that it offered rich land for farming.

1 Answer. It was fertile land, and was protected on the North by New England, and protected on the South by Virginia.

14 percent

Among its peer regions, Philadelphia has the largest and fastest growing immigrant population, which now stands at over 500,000, comprising 9 percent of the total population.

134,934

Philadelphia is currently growing at a rate of 0.03% annually and its population has increased by 3.87% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 1,526,010 in 2010. Philadelphia reached it’s highest population of 2,071,600 in 1950.