Analyze the Extent to Which Religious Freedom Existed in the British Orth American Colonies Prior to 1700

The original thirteen colonies in America were founded upon some similar governments and colonial methods among the states. All of the colonies in New England, middle region and south had to deal with the issue of religious toleration and the responses were varied. In regards to colonies' development prior to 1700, religious toleration varied from section to section; excluding a few exceptions, in general New England colonies had very little religious toleration, the Middle Colonies had a high degree of religious toleration while the Southern colonies generally permitted some form of religious toleration.

New England allowed little religious toleration. In New England, any religions other than Puritanism were not allowed except for in Rhode Island. The Quakers could face fines if found that they were not Puritans. Quakers could also be punished for not having a Puritan faith, they could even be banished from the New England colonies if found to be Quakers. Non-Puritans (Catholics, Jews, etc.) were not given the right to vote and were even required to pay taxes for tax-supported congregational churches. If there were ever any Puritans who "spoke out" against the Doctrines they were immediately banished. One of the best examples of this would have to be Anne Hutchinson with her though on Antinomianism. Even though she was a puritan she spoke out against its exact teaching and was banished, the same goes for Roger Williams. Another example of where there was little religious toleration is that there was something called a "blue law". What the "blue law" is is that it restricted people from Drinking (alcohol), and dancing on religious Sabbath day. The only state that was exempt from this was Rhode Island, because it was founded by Roger Williams after he was banished and was designed to be 100% Religious tolerate.

Middle colonies had a higher degree of Religious Toleration than any other area. Quakers were able to freely practice their religion, and their religion dominated Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. 3 out of the 4 middle colonies where Quaker dominated. But, even though there was a high level of Religious freedom, Catholics and Jews still could not vote, or hold office positions (due to pressure from London). However, in New York, the Duke of York focused primarily on economic growth, so it did not matter what religion you where, people of all religions were allowed to hold any type of job they could. Because of this, Catholics, and Jews were allowed to hold High level jobs. They could hold jobs such as Presidents of Joint Stock Companies, or positions in the local government.

The Southern colonies generally permitted some religious toleration, not as much as the middle colonies, but more than the New England colonies. In the southern Colonies the most established church was the Anglican Church. It was tax supported by the People of that area (even if not Anglican in religion).