Maryland Colony was established primarily as a refuge for which group?

Maryland Colony was established primarily as a refuge for which group?

• A. Puritans
• B. Anglicans
• C. Catholic merchants seeking economic gain
• D. Catholic colonists seeking religious freedom

Answer: (D)

Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore as a haven for English Catholics who faced discrimination in Anglican England. The intent was to provide a place where Catholic worship could be practiced more freely and with less fear of persecution. That makes the description of Catholic colonists seeking religious freedom the best fit. While Maryland did later adopt the Act of Toleration to protect Christians, the central motive in its establishment was offering a refuge for Catholics. Other colonies were started for different groups or purposes, but Maryland’s founding aimed at religious freedom for Catholics.

Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore as a haven for English Catholics who faced discrimination in Anglican England. The intent was to provide a place where Catholic worship could be practiced more freely and with less fear of persecution. That makes the description of Catholic colonists seeking religious freedom the best fit. While Maryland did later adopt the Act of Toleration to protect Christians, the central motive in its establishment was offering a refuge for Catholics. Other colonies were started for different groups or purposes, but Maryland’s founding aimed at religious freedom for Catholics.