2. Historical development: Religious liberty in Rhode Island

Historical developments and consequences

Roger Williams founded Providence in 1636 after expulsion from Massachusetts Bay. Rhode Island’s 1663 charter provided unusually broad protection for religious differences. Anne Hutchinson challenged Massachusetts religious authorities and was banished in 1637.

The colony demonstrated an alternative to compulsory religious conformity, though it did not end colonial dispossession or slavery.

Original historical article · Authorities & decisions

Roger Williams founded Providence in 1636 after expulsion from Massachusetts Bay. The 1663 royal charter granted Rhode Island unusual scope for religious liberty. Colonial officials still operated within an economy that included slavery and dispossession of Indigenous peoples.