Describe the founding of New York and Pennsylvania, and explain why these two settlements as well as the other middle colonies became so ethnically, religiously, and politically diverse.

The New York in the colonial period was known as New Amsterdam and established by the Dutch founder Peter Minuit in 1626 on Manhattan Island. Later in 1664, the British took the colony from Dutch and named it New York City, but we still see the Dutch culture. The early settlers in the New Amsterdam were the trappers for fur pelts focused on alliance and trade with the Native Americans. Then came Puritans (pilgrims) to establish the place as a colony.

Pennsylvania colony was founded in 1681 by William Penn; a Quaker colony which welcomed all religions and looked for a better life.