Which statement best explains why the colony of New York had a diverse population? The colony was settled by people from several European countries. The colony was settled by Quakers, who were tolerant of other religions. The colony was settled by Catholics, who were tolerant of other religions. The colony was settled by Caribbean colonists and their enslaved workers.

The majority of early American colonies were founded by religious groups seeking freedom from persecution. The majority were had very stiff laws that had to be followed by everyone. The New York colony was the exception since it was founded by those with a sole interest of making money. the colony therefore attracted a very broad range of people interested in freedom and money but not of a religious sort.