Many early immigrant groups traveled to America to worship freely, particularly after the English Civil War and religious conflict in France and Germany. They included nonconformists like the Puritans, who were Protestant Christians fleeing religious persecution from the Anglican King of England. Despite a common background, the groups' views on religious toleration were mixed. While some such as Roger Williams of Rhode Island and William Penn of Pennsylvania ensured the protection of religious minorities within their colonies, others like the Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony had established churches. The Dutch colony of New Netherland established the Dutch Reformed Church and outlawed all other worship, though enforcement was sparse. Religious conformity was desired partly for financial reasons: the established Church was responsible for poverty relief, putting dissenting churches at a significant disadvantage. COUNT 5
QSN1 What was one of the reason early immigrant groups came to America? ANS1 to worship freely QSN2 What were Protestant Christians fleeing from? ANS2 religious persecution QSN3 Who was persecuting the Puritans? ANS3 King of England QSN4 What did William Penn ensure the protection of in his colony? ANS4 religious minorities QSN5 What did the Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony both establish? ANS5 churches