Unit4, Lesson3

Religion played a major role in the founding and settlement of the American colonies. Many groups, including Puritans, Pilgrims, Quakers, Anglicans, and Catholics, fled Europe due to religious persecution and sought places where they could freely practice their own faith. As a result, many colonies were founded and settled primarily by those of a single religious denomination who wanted to live among coreligionists. However, some colonies like Pennsylvania and Delaware were more religiously tolerant and attracted a variety of religious groups, making their cities, like Philadelphia, very diverse and prosperous.