Final answer:
The Delaware colony had a diverse population that contributed to its economic growth, with many settlers coming from various parts of Northern Europe and Africa. The thriving forests of Delaware provided resources that supported both population growth and economic expansion, shaping the region's landscape significantly in the process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Delaware colony was characterized by a diverse population and substantial economic growth, largely due to its thriving forests. When the English seized control of New Netherland, the population included a significant portion of individuals from Northern Europe and Africa, and comprised a mix of Dutch, Swedes, Finns, Walloons, Flemings, French Huguenots, Germans, Norwegians, and Africans. These forests played a critical role in the development and expansion of colonial America, with forestry practices transforming the landscape to meet the demands of a wood-built and wood-burning society.
The original colonies, including Delaware, experienced population and economic growth as European settlers employed forestry techniques that resulted in the removal of ancient trees and fundamentally shaped the way the forests look today. Delaware exhibited significant growth and, collectively with other middle colonies, outpaced the growth of the northern and southern colonies. The diversity and prosperity of these colonies set the stage for the later development of the United States, including during the Industrial Revolution when old growth forests were cut down extensively.