Why was the middle class the largest among white colonists?
(1 point)
Responses
There were few people besides slaves in the lower classes.
There were few people besides slaves in the lower classes.
Most white colonists were farmers who prospered due to affordable land.
Most white colonists were farmers who prospered due to affordable land.
All indentured servants entered the middle class after their servitude was over.
All indentured servants entered the middle class after their servitude was over.
Many of the gentry entered the middle class during economic difficulty.
Most white colonists were farmers who prospered due to affordable land.
What was common in New England but not in other colonies?
(1 point)
Responses
dame schools
dame schools
apprenticeships
apprenticeships
private schools
private schools
dame schools
In all English colonies, a white male could vote only if he was a
(1 point)
Responses
Christian.
Christian.
property owner.
property owner.
church-goer.
church-goer.
member of the gentry.
member of the gentry.
property owner.
The middle class was the largest among white colonists for a few reasons. Firstly, there were few people besides slaves in the lower classes, which contributed to the middle class's prominence. Additionally, most white colonists were farmers who were able to prosper due to affordable land. Another factor is that after their servitude was over, all indentured servants entered the middle class. Lastly, many of the gentry also entered the middle class during economic difficulty.
The correct answer is: Most white colonists were farmers who prospered due to affordable land.
To arrive at this answer, you can consider the following:
1. Understand the question: The question asks why the middle class was the largest among white colonists.
2. Identify the options: Examine the given options, which include:
a) There were few people besides slaves in the lower classes.
b) Most white colonists were farmers who prospered due to affordable land.
c) All indentured servants entered the middle class after their servitude was over.
d) Many of the gentry entered the middle class during economic difficulty.
3. Evaluate the options: Pay attention to each option and see if it aligns with the question asked.
Option a) suggests that there were few people in the lower classes, which does not directly explain why the middle class was the largest among white colonists.
Option b) indicates that most white colonists were farmers who prospered due to affordable land. This reason directly explains why the middle class was the largest among white colonists. It suggests that the opportunities in agriculture and land ownership contributed to the growth of the middle class.
Option c) claims that all indentured servants entered the middle class after their servitude was over. Although some indentured servants may have moved into the middle class, it is not a comprehensive explanation for the size of the middle class among white colonists.
Option d) states that many of the gentry entered the middle class during economic difficulty. While this may have happened, it does not sufficiently explain why the middle class was the largest among white colonists.
4. Determine the correct answer: Based on the evaluation of the options, the correct answer is option b) - most white colonists were farmers who prospered due to affordable land.
Overall, the middle class was the largest among white colonists primarily because the majority of them were able to achieve economic success through farming and the accessibility of affordable land.