Economic opportunity was one of the major reasons for European immigration to the United States. In this lesson, you will learn about another cause of immigration - religious freedom.

Source: Canterbury Cathedral Portal Nave Cross-Spire, Wikipedia

In England, Protestants and Catholics alike believed that "uniformity of religion" must exist in a society, meaning that there should only be one religion in a society. They believed there was one true religion and that it was the duty of the government to enforce it. The Church of England would persecute people who did not follow the belief in one religion. The church imposed these strict rules because they believed it was necessary to save the souls of the people. Furthermore, they had no mercy on English citizens and would even execute them for practicing any religion other than what the government allowed.

Many people came to America to search for religious freedom. They hoped to escape the religious persecution they were facing in their countries. The colonists wanted the chance to choose their own religion and worship freely. They did not want to establish a church like that of the Church of England.

Many of the 13 colonies of America were founded by religious groups. The following sections will identify a few religious groups who immigrated to the United States in search of religious freedom during the period of colonization and expansion.

Click on each image to learn more about the different religious groups.

Click on the document below.

→ Quick Reflection: Why do you think settlers were required by the government to pay the church under the Virginia Church Laws?

The English government required the settlers to pay so that the government would not have to fund the expenses of the church.

I Want to Settle Down!

In the following exercise, you will read a description of someone immigrating to the American colonies. Help them choose the best colony for their situation.

Religious groups continued to immigrate to America throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. By the 18th century, the colonies experienced tremendous growth in religious activity. Most colonists belonged to and attended a church. The country experienced both the First Great Awakening (18th century) and Second Great Awakening (19th century).