Roger Williams left the Massachusetts Bay Colony primarily due to his belief in the principle of religious freedom and his views on the separation of church and state. He disagreed with the strict Puritan religious practices and the government’s interference in matters of personal faith. Williams advocated for the fair treatment of Native Americans and criticized the colony's policies regarding land acquisition from indigenous peoples.
In 1636, after facing persecution for his views, Williams fled the colony and founded the settlement of Providence Plantations on land he purchased from the Narragansett tribe. This settlement became part of what would later become Rhode Island, a haven for religious dissenters and a place that embraced the principle of separation of church and state. Williams' vision contributed significantly to the development of a more tolerant society in the region.
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