Discussion of extent of religious freedom in New England/Chesapeake colonies before 1750.

Throughout England, laws preventing religious persecution did not exist. Followers of religions other than those approved by the government faced physical punishment and possible exile from England. During the 17th century, these exiled people came together and left England on a journey that they hoped would allow them religious freedom. They traveled to North America, formed colonies, and lived by their own rules. However, these previously persecuted groups, having fled for their own benefit, looked …

…England for a better life in North America. The Quakers settled in New Jersey, while the Puritans lived in Massachusetts. These strongly followed religions controlled their respective colonies, and persecuted members who disagreed with their beliefs. Roger Williams was an example of the religious persecution that followed from England to the colonies. North America ultimately provided a place for different religions to flourish, but persecution from England traveled to the colonies, causing hardships for some.