Which colony was founded by Lord Baltimore to encourage religious freedom for Catholics?

Which colony was founded by Lord Baltimore to encourage religious freedom for Catholics?

• A. Virginia
• B. Massachusetts
• C. Delaware
• D. Maryland

Answer: (D)

Religious refuge for a persecuted group is the idea behind Maryland’s founding. Lord Baltimore, a Catholic nobleman, established Maryland as a haven where Catholics could practice their faith with less fear in the face of Anglican-dominated laws and society in England. The colony was organized as a proprietary realm, and over time it even enacted laws like the Act of Toleration to protect Christian worship, illustrating a deliberate attempt to allow religious liberty for Catholics within the colonial framework. This sets Maryland apart from the other colonies: Virginia grew from economic ventures under Anglican leadership, Massachusetts was founded by Puritans to create a church-centered community, and Delaware came from earlier Swedes and Dutch settlements before becoming English, none specifically aimed at Catholic sanctuary.

Religious refuge for a persecuted group is the idea behind Maryland’s founding. Lord Baltimore, a Catholic nobleman, established Maryland as a haven where Catholics could practice their faith with less fear in the face of Anglican-dominated laws and society in England. The colony was organized as a proprietary realm, and over time it even enacted laws like the Act of Toleration to protect Christian worship, illustrating a deliberate attempt to allow religious liberty for Catholics within the colonial framework. This sets Maryland apart from the other colonies: Virginia grew from economic ventures under Anglican leadership, Massachusetts was founded by Puritans to create a church-centered community, and Delaware came from earlier Swedes and Dutch settlements before becoming English, none specifically aimed at Catholic sanctuary.