There are a variety of economic, religious, and political desires for the establishment of England 's diverse American colonies. Societies whose citizens were compelled to interact with people of differing beliefs were the most successful. Through the Rhode Island Charter and the Maryland Toleration Act we can see the economic, political, and religious motives at play in the colonies establishing the foundation for future success. Most historians contribute the success to unity …show more content…
"...That noe person within the sayd colonye, at any tyme hereafter, shall be any wise molested, punished, disquieted, or called in question, for any differences in opinione in matters of religion."5 King James II of England granted the charter for settlers in Rhode Island. This was an important time in history, for people within societies were able to practice religion they wanted to follow without being maltreated for what they believed in. In this way, "the Rhode Island Charter holds a unique place in the evolution of human rights in the modern …show more content…
Unlike like the first document, this act did not complete religious freedom, it was only an efficient solution to the primary problem: an understanding between Catholics and Protestants for toleration of all Christian religions. It was one of the first acts towards religious freedom in the colonies and provided protection for the Catholic population, but supplied consequences, even death, to anyone who denied belief in Jesus. There were three offenses: the first was to forfeit goods; the second was to forfeit money, be publicly whipped, and imprisoned; and the third to forfeit all land and goods and be banished. Whereas, the Charter of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was about religious freedom for every individual, the Maryland Toleration Act was still important for those who were Catholic Marylanders.
In order for the colonies to find unity they all started with a diverse view. In Europe, Catholics and Protestants had a vicous and bloody history, but in the colonies they now had the opportunity to create peace. Thrown together with the sole goal in mind of trying to survive they couldn’t afford to continue down the path they had been. It wasn’t a matter of unity or diversity, an argument could be made both is what made the American colonies