Which group of religious separatists, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, came to America to practice their religion freely?
The Pilgrims. They wanted to separate completely from the Church of England, which they viewed as corrupt.
The Puritans also sought religious freedom. What colony did they establish in 1630?
The Massachusetts Bay Colony. Unlike the Pilgrims, they wanted to "purify" the Church of England from within, not separate from it.
The Pilgrims signed an important document before landing at Plymouth. What was it called and what did it do?
The Mayflower Compact. It was an agreement to form a self-governing body and enact laws for the good of the colony.
Which colony was founded by William Penn as a "holy experiment" and a haven for Quakers?
Pennsylvania. It was founded on the principles of religious tolerance, fair dealings with Native Americans, and opposition to war.
Which colony was established by Lord Baltimore as a safe place for Catholics facing persecution in England?
Maryland. The colony passed the Maryland Toleration Act in 1649 to protect the religious rights of Christians.
Who was banished from Massachusetts for promoting the "separation of church and state" and went on to found Rhode Island?
Roger Williams. He established Rhode Island as a colony that offered complete religious freedom to all, including non-Christians.
Who was Anne Hutchinson?
A Puritan spiritual adviser who was banished from Massachusetts for challenging the religious authority of the colony's ministers. She also found refuge in Rhode Island.
Did the Puritans in Massachusetts offer religious freedom to everyone?
No. They were intolerant of other beliefs and created a society where their own religious views were enforced by law. They persecuted dissenters like Quakers and Baptists.
What was the main religious conflict in England that drove Protestant groups like Pilgrims and Puritans to America?
The conflict was with the state-sponsored Church of England (Anglican Church). These groups felt its rituals and hierarchy were too similar to the Catholic Church.
