Unit II.

Impact of religious and social issues of Europe on the early American colonies

The impact of Religious and Social Issues on the Early American Colonies

The early American colonies were to a large extent shaped by the prevalent religious and social

affiliations and beliefs. Religious leaders utilized religion as an avenue to drive some of the

much needed perceptions and believes among the people such as basin the facts for revolution

and opposition against the British on the religious teachings.

One of the most significant events that was based on religion affiliation was the founding of

Massachusetts. A religious minority group known as the Puritans sought to create a model

religious community. Their aim was to purify the Anglican church off the Catholic practices and

through their influence led to the formation of the Massachusetts with the first governor as John

Winthrop who later founded the city of Boston. There was a strong belief among the Puritans

who believed that the American democracy was a religious pursuit approved by God.

The Great Awakening is yet another event that shaped the American colonies through religion.

The pursuit of the Great Awakening was to make Christianity popular and revive the people`s

believe in the religion. At the time of occurrence, there were approximately 13 colonies set apart

on religious grounds. Most of New England was made up of Congregational churches while the

middle colonies comprised of Anglicans, Baptists, Presbyterians and Lutherans. In the south,

there were Anglicans and a few Presbyterians and the Quakers. There were various colonies

established as a result of differing religious affiliations and beliefs. Roger Williams could not be

accepted in Massachusetts because he held differing religious beliefs as those of the Puritans. As

a result, he moved to Rhode Island and formed his colony there. Lord Baltimore on the other

hand established the colony of Maryland where Catholics could practice their religion without

conflict with the Puritans. William Penn established the colony of Pennsylvania where the

residents were free to practice their diverse religious beliefs without persecution.