<P> Thousands of poor German farmers, chiefly from the Palatine region of Germany, migrated to upstate districts after 1700 . They kept to themselves, married their own, spoke German, attended Lutheran churches, and retained their own customs and foods . They emphasized farm ownership . Some mastered English to become conversant with local legal and business opportunities . They ignored the Indians and tolerated slavery (although few were rich enough to own a slave). </P> <P> Large manors were developed along the Hudson River by elite colonists during the 18th century, including Livingston, Cortlandt, Philipsburg, and Rensselaerswyck . The manors represented more than half of the colony's undeveloped land . The Province of New York thrived during this time, its economy strengthened by Long Island and Hudson Valley agriculture, in conjunction with trade and artisanal activity at the Port of New York; the colony was a breadbasket and lumberyard for the British sugar colonies in the Caribbean . New York's population grew substantially during this century: from the first colonial census (1698) to the last (1771), the province grew ninefold, from 18,067 to 168,007 . </P> <P> New York played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War . The colony verged on revolt following the Stamp Act of 1765, advancing the New York City--based Sons of Liberty to the forefront of New York politics . The Act exacerbated the depression the province experienced after unsuccessfully invading Canada in 1760 . Even though New York City merchants lost out on lucrative military contracts, the group sought common ground between the King and the people; however, compromise became impossible as of April 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord . Two powerful families had for decades assembled colony - wide coalitions of supporters . With few exceptions, men long associated with the DeLancey faction went along when its leadership decided to support the crown while members of the Livingston faction became Patriots </P> <P> New York's strategic central location and port made it key to controlling the colonies . The British assembled the century's largest fleet: at one point 30,000 British sailors and soldiers anchored off Staten Island . General George Washington barely escaped New York City with his army in November 1776; General Sir William Howe was successful in driving Washington out, but erred by expanding into New Jersey . By January 1777, he retained only a few outposts near New York City . The British held the city for the duration, using it as a base for expeditions against other targets . </P>

The present-day cities of albany and new york were first part of what colony