In the Middle Colonies, trade grew fast.
Many people moved to cities like New York and Philadelphia. Merchants and sailors came and went, bringing foods and goods from all over the world. The people in these towns came from many countries and had many different beliefs. This diversity, or variety, had an effect on colonists in these areas. They were more open to new people and ideas. Some rights Americans have today were first introduced in these colonies. Trial by jury was one of them. What is the right to a trial by jury? It means that anyone accused of a crime has the right to give a defense. They also have the right to be judged by a group of fellow citizens.
