Compare the ways in which religion shaped the development of colonial society (to 1740) in TWO of the following regions: New England Chesapeake Middle Atlantic

The Impact of Religion on the Development of Colonial America

During the seventeenth century, colonial America was welcoming many newcomers, several from England. Quantities of these newcomers were seeking land for economic purposes as others were longing for religious toleration. Many of the English colonists settled in the New England region for religious freedoms, to escape the English king, and leave adversaries of other religions behind. Settlers who resided in the Middle Atlantic region were affected differently. Although the Middle Atlantic was more …show more content…

During the beginning of Colonial America, politics and religion were still inseparable. Many key religious figures were also governors or political leaders. In the early years, the closeness of religion and politics show just how influential religion was. It is obvious that religion had a prominent role in the development of colonial society in the New England region socially, economically, and politically.
Greatly differing from the New England region, the Middle Atlantic’s development was not as influenced by religion. Compared to New England, the Middle Atlantic was a lot more religiously tolerant. The Middle Atlantic region presented an assortment of religions, allowing its inhabitants to practice or not practice the religion of his or her choice. Most people who settled in the Middle Atlantic were attracted for the economic gain. The New England region was well equipped and based on trade, as the Middle region relied heavily on mixed farming, slaves or indentured servants, and trade. Pennsylvania and New Netherlands (later New York) were two of the most diverse colonies during the colonization of America.
Leader of Pennsylvania, William Penn, who also led the Quakers, allowed religious freedom in the colony’s constitution. Penn’s “Holy Experiment” was an attempt of the Quakers to form their own community in Pennsylvania. Penn and the Quakers were fair to the Native Americans and were showing the world that they could manage on their