Which of the following distinguished the Middle Colonies from New England and the Southern Colonies?

What following?

ethnic and religious  diversity 

To determine what distinguished the Middle Colonies from New England and the Southern Colonies, you can look at the various characteristics and factors that set these regions apart. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. **Geography**: The Middle Colonies, consisting of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, were located in the middle region of the eastern seaboard. This geography gave the Middle Colonies a more diverse landscape compared to the primarily hilly and rocky New England region or the predominantly flat and fertile Southern Colonies.

2. **Demographics**: The Middle Colonies had a more diverse population compared to the other regions. They were characterized by a mixture of ethnicities, including significant Dutch, German, and Swedish immigrant communities alongside English settlers. This diversity contributed to a multicultural society and a more pluralistic religious landscape.

3. **Economy**: The Middle Colonies had a more balanced economy compared to the other regions. While they still relied on agriculture, they were known for their productive farms, producing wheat, oats, and barley. Additionally, the Middle Colonies also thrived in manufacturing, trade, and commerce due to their accessible rivers and natural harbors. In contrast, the Southern Colonies relied heavily on cash crops like tobacco, rice, and indigo, while New England focused on industries like fishing, shipbuilding, and lumber.

4. **Religious tolerance**: The Middle Colonies were known for their religious tolerance, providing a more welcoming environment for various religious groups. Unlike the religious homogeneity in the New England Colonies, where Puritanism dominated, or the Anglican dominance in the Southern Colonies, the Middle Colonies were characterized by a tolerant atmosphere that attracted diverse religious communities such as Quakers, Catholics, Jews, and various Protestant sects.

By analyzing these factors, you can conclude that geography, demographics, economy, and religious tolerance were some of the distinguishing features that set the Middle Colonies apart from both New England and the Southern Colonies.