Question

What was the primary reason that Roger Williams left Massachusetts bay colony and founded the Rhode Island colony

Answer 1

Roger Williams left the Massachusetts Bay Colony and founded the Rhode Island colony primarily due to his strong belief in religious freedom and separation of church and state. He criticized the Puritan leaders of Massachusetts for their harsh treatment of dissenting religious groups and their interference in civil matters. Williams believed in the idea of liberty of conscience, which meant that individuals should have the freedom to practice any religion without interference from the government. As his views clashed with the strictly enforced Puritanism of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, he was eventually banished and chose to establish a new colony where he could implement his principles of religious freedom.