The Impact of Religion on the Development of Colonial America

In the 1700’s the New England and Chesapeake regions prospered in agriculture and commerce, but it was the period of time before this that helped develop these regions into what they were at the time. The development of these regions were diversified by the religion that they practiced, native policies, and the social structure of the area. The religion brought to these regions helped alter their way living from one another.

In a time when numerous countries were beginning to explore the new and exciting land of North America during the Age of Exploration, and groups of people from England and Spain were fleeing their home countries either for religious freedom or wealth, vast and civilized colonies began to form all throughout the New World. It is in this context that the colonies founded by the English and the Spanish began to develop and grow. There was a significant difference between the Spanish and New England colonies between 1492 and 1700 in terms of the treatment of indigenous people, and there were some immense similarities between the two colonies in terms of the role of religion in their society and the

Topic: For the period before 1750, analyze the ways in which Britain’s policy of “Salutary Neglect” influenced the development of American society as illustrated in the following: Legislative assemblies, commerce, religion.

One of the major causes for emigration from England to North America was religious persecution. Religious tolerance in Britain for other Christian sects besides the Anglican church was virtually nonexistent, resulting in many members of other sects to seek religious haven in the colonies. The vast majority of immigrants coming to New England were followers of

Evaluate the extent to which religious toleration in the British North American colonies maintained continuity as well as fostered changed from 1607-1700.

The New England and Chesapeake colonies were both settled by immigrants from England. Though this was an area thriving with small towns that they had generally liked, they decided to escape England due to religious persecution. Hundreds of families, men, women, and their children, came in search of a New World where they could practice their beliefs freely. They founded

The government in the colonies was affected by the church especially in New England, whereas the Chesapeake government was influenced by agriculture. In Massachusetts Bay, the visible saints were full members of the church

Religion was the foundation of the early Colonial American Puritan writings. Many of the early settlements were comprised of men and women who fled Europe in the face of persecution to come to a new land and worship according to their own will. Their beliefs were stalwartly rooted in the fact that God should be involved with all facets of their lives and constantly worshiped. These Puritans writings focused on their religious foundations related to their exodus from Europe and religions role in their life on the new continent. Their literature helped to proselytize the message of God and focused on hard work and strict adherence to religious principles, thus avoiding eternal damnation. These main themes are evident in the writings of

The middle colonies liked bread so much their nickname was the breadbaskets the new england mostly focused on religion.

Throughout history, a variety of religions have came and gone due to dislike and uncomfort. Before 1492, a majority of Europe was a part of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church controlled every aspect of a human’s life, for example: education, social status, and family matters. In 1517, Martin Luther had created the Protestant Reformation, which limited the power of the Catholic Church. Europe was now religiously divided, which created a larger diversity of religion to the colonies. Reasons such as Henry VIII decisions with the Catholic Church, English immigrants, and religious groups affected the relationship between religion and the colonies.

1647 to 1776 was a time of growth in America, during this time colonist emigrated from Europe to America for several reasons, such as the hope to find relief from the war and rebellion occupying Europe, the chance to find bigger farms to make money, and most of all the chance to have religious freedom (“The Thirteen American Colonies” n.d.). Religious freedom was a very important part of the colonists’ lives and culture. According to “Religion and the Founding of the American Republic”, between 1700 and 1740, an estimated 75 to 80 percent of the population attended churches, which were being built at a headlong pace.

Starting in the late 1600’s to the early 1700’s, the great nation of America began to take its shape. The Mid- Atlantic colonies, consisting of Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey, were especially productive in this growing time period. Through their diverse population they created an atmosphere of amity throughout the region, attracting large numbers of European immigrants. Their extremely tolerant habits in regards to differences in religious beliefs anticipated the American future. The colonies not only shaped the way for thousands of new settlers coming to the New World, but they also began an empire of agriculture and trade for generations to follow due to their prestigious land and prime location. The colonists during the early 18th century in the Mid Atlantic region

It is a fairly well known fact that the colonization of the New World in general, and more specifically, what would become eventually become the United States of America, was heavily based upon commercial endeavors. However, it was also heavily influenced by the desire of people to possess and preserve religious independence. Placing the potential for commercial success aside and focusing on the religious aspects of colonization, the proliferation of various religions over the course of colonial history is quite extensive and, by proxy, its’ influence upon developing colonial societies was far-reaching. Because of the historical significance of many different religions throughout the colonies, it would also suggest that religious diversity was likely equally impactful in eliciting change. All of this leads this author to speculate about how much influence religion had upon colonial upheaval over time and whether or not the ensuing dissent was a major factor in the lead up to The French and Indian War and eventual revolution of the American colonies. To uncover the significance and role religion played in the American colonies, a number of different articles were reviewed, each representing different perspectives, points of view, and empirical evidence about religion in colonial America.

English Christians turned to the New World for relief from religious conflict and overpopulation in England. They perceived America as an uncultivated place where they would be able to settle in without any constraints. Many colonists believed this was their chance to start over and build an ideal civilization based on their religious beliefs. Puritans had different morals and standards that differed from other Protestants. People like Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson and Thomas Hooker had a significant impact in how colonists settled in America.

Religion has been around since the discovery of America. Many European immigrants came to America to escape the traditions of the Church of England. The people wanted religious freedom. Most, however, tried to force their religious beliefs on the people who came to settle in their colonies creating a divide. It wasn’t until The Great Awakening, which started in the New England colonies, occurred that people rose up and revolted against the norms of religion and began to worship the way they wanted to. This divisive time period greatly impacted the American colonies by allowing true religious freedom to all the people.