USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The New England colonists-with the exception of Rhode Island-were predominantly Puritans, who, by and large, led strict religious lives. The clergy was highly educated and devoted to the study and teaching of both Scripture and the natural sciences.

Detailed explanation-2: -Generally speaking, The New England colonists were largely Puritans, and the Southern colonies were largely Anglican. The Middle colonies became a mixture of religions which included Quakers, Catholics, Lutherans, Jews, and others.

Detailed explanation-3: -Religion was the key to the founding of a number of the colonies. Many were founded on the principal of religious liberty. The New England colonies were founded to provide a place for the Puritans to practice their religious beliefs. The Puritans did not give freedom of religion to others, especially non-believers.

Detailed explanation-4: -In 1635 Roger Williams, a Puritan dissident, was banned from Massachusetts. Williams then moved south and founded Rhode Island. Rhode Island became the first colony with no established church and the first to grant religious freedom to everyone, including Quakers and Jews.