ENGLISH COLONIES IN NEW ENGLAND AND MARYLAND – U.S HISTORY

In the early 1600s, English settlers began to establish colonies along the Atlantic coast of North America, driven in part by the desire for religious freedom. One group, known as the Separatists, sought to escape the influence of the Church of England. They set sail on the Mayflower in 1620 with the intention of establishing a religious settlement in Virginia. However, they landed in an area far north of their intended destination, in what is now Massachusetts. These settlers, who called themselves Pilgrims, drafted the Mayflower Compact, a foundational document that set out basic laws for their new colony, Plymouth. The Compact was an early example of self-government and established a framework for future colonies.

Around the same time, another group of religious dissenters, the Puritans, also sought freedom from the Church of England. Unlike the Pilgrims, the Puritans aimed to purify the Church of England rather than separate entirely. In 1630, they sailed to North America with the goal of establishing a colony based on their religious beliefs. They settled in an area north of Plymouth, which would become the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The colony grew rapidly, with about 20,000 Puritans settling in the region by the 1640s. As a result, this area became known as New England.

Religion played a central role in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and only male church members who owned land were allowed to vote. Despite these restrictions, the Puritans enjoyed more self-government than many other colonies. However, not everyone agreed with the Puritans’ strict religious governance. Roger Williams, a minister, argued that the government should not interfere with religious practices and should allow individuals to worship freely. His views led to his banishment from the colony in 1636. Williams went on to establish the colony of Rhode Island, where religious freedom and the separation of church and state became central principles.

Another prominent figure, Thomas Hooker, also disagreed with the Puritan leaders. He believed that all men, regardless of church membership, should have the right to vote. Hooker led a group of colonists to Connecticut, where they founded a community based on more democratic principles.

Meanwhile, in 1632, King Charles I of England granted land in North America to Cecilius Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, a Catholic nobleman. Calvert founded the colony of Maryland as a haven for Catholics, who faced religious persecution in England. Maryland became a refuge for Catholics and helped establish the principle of religious tolerance in the New World.

These early settlements contributed to the growth of religious diversity in colonial America. While the Puritans’ Massachusetts Bay Colony initially promoted religious conformity, other colonies like Rhode Island and Maryland became important examples of religious freedom and tolerance in the New World.

ENGLISH COLONIES IN NEW ENGLAND AND MARYLAND

Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

 Use the following timeline to answer Question 1:

 1.  Which is a true statement inferred from the timeline?

A.   It was unusual for weather to impact the course of a ship.

 B.   It was John Carver’s idea to create the Mayflower Compact.

 C.   The Pilgrims were disappointed that they did not land in Virginia.

 D.   The Pilgrims recognized the importance of establishing a government.

 2.  Read the following passage, and then answer the question.

 In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign lord King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant, and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, offices from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony: unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names; Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord King James, of England, France and Ireland eighteenth and of Scotland fifty-fourth, Anno Domini 1620. —Excerpt from the Mayflower Compact

 Which of the following true statements is the central idea of the document?

 A.   The Pilgrims agreed to spread the ideas of their Christian faith.

 B.   The colony would always be submissive to God and to King James.

C.   The laws included in the compact must be obeyed by all of the Pilgrims.

 D.   The Pilgrims agreed to follow any laws that were later set for the colony.

 3.  Determine which religious group was the basis for the formation of each settlement listed. Indicate Catholic, Puritan, or Pilgrim beside the name of each colony. Settlement Religious Group

 Maryland

 _______________

 Massachusetts Bay Colony _______________

 Plymouth

 _______________

 4.  Three colonies were established when people left the Massachusetts

 Bay Colony. These three colonies were _______________,

 _______________, and _______________

1. Which is a true statement inferred from the timeline?

✅ D. The Pilgrims recognized the importance of establishing a government.

Explanation:
The Mayflower Compact was created because the Pilgrims landed outside the territory of the Virginia Colony and needed a system of governance. This shows they understood the need for a civil government to maintain order and cooperation.

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2. Which of the following true statements is the central idea of the document?

✅ D. The Pilgrims agreed to follow any laws that were later set for the colony.

Explanation:
The Mayflower Compact outlines an agreement to form a government and follow any future laws created for the good of the colony. This reflects a mutual agreement to self-govern and cooperate.

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3. Determine which religious group was the basis for the formation of each settlement:

• Maryland – ✅ Catholic
• Massachusetts Bay Colony – ✅ Puritan
• Plymouth – ✅ Pilgrim

Explanation:

• Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore as a haven for Catholics.
• Massachusetts Bay Colony was established by the Puritans.
• Plymouth was settled by the Pilgrims, who were Separatists seeking religious freedom.

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4. Three colonies were established when people left the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These three colonies were:

✅ Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire

Explanation:

• Roger Williams left Massachusetts to found Rhode Island.
• Thomas Hooker left to found Connecticut.
• New Hampshire was also settled by those moving north from Massachusetts in search of land and economic opportunity.