They Didn't Exactly Share a Netflix Account, But... What Did Rhode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania Have in Common?
Ah, the Thirteen Colonies! A baker's dozen of quirky settlements vying for independence (and probably the best lobster roll – we're looking at you, Rhode Island). But amongst these colonies, some were more like fraternal twins separated at birth, while others were like oil and water (looking at you, Massachusetts and literally everyone else). Today, we're diving into the surprising similarities between Rhode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania – colonies that, on the surface, seem about as different as a clam chowder, a crab cake, and a Philly cheesesteak (though, all delicious in their own right).
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| What Did The Colonies Of Rhode Island Maryland And Pennsylvania Have In Common |
Religious Freedom: The OG Sharing Economy
Forget Uber or Airbnb, these colonies were all about sharing the right to practice your faith... well, kind of. Unlike many colonies founded on strict religious principles, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania offered a safe haven for those seeking religious freedom. Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, believed in soul liberty (think the freedom to choose your favorite afterlife package) after he was kicked out of Massachusetts Bay for his, ahem, unorthodox views. Lord Baltimore, the dude behind Maryland, wanted a Catholic haven in the Protestant-dominated colonies (religious tolerance wasn't exactly a thing back then). And finally, William Penn, the Quaker who gave Pennsylvania its name, championed religious liberty for all – except atheists, because apparently, there wasn't enough chill to go around for everyone.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Side note: This tolerance had its limits. Native Americans often got the raw end of the deal, and slavery was a nasty stain on all the colonies, including these three.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
A Hodgepodge of People: The Melting Pot Before the Melting Pot Was Cool
While other colonies were like exclusive clubs with a strict dress code (think Puritans in Massachusetts Bay), Rhode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania were all about diversity. Rhode Island attracted a mix of religious refugees, while Maryland welcomed English Catholics and even indentured servants (basically, poor folks who worked for a set period in exchange for passage to America). William Penn's Pennsylvania became a haven for Quakers, Germans, and even some Mennonites known for their, well, distinct approach to headwear. This mix of people brought a variety of skills and ideas, making these colonies economic and cultural powerhouses in their own right.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
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Fun Fact: William Penn even promised religious freedom to the colony's Swedish settlers, as long as they swore not to, you know, invade the place.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
So, Not Exactly BFFs, But Definitely Not Frenemies
These colonies weren't exactly joined at the hip. Rhode Island was a scrappy little upstart known for its shipbuilding, Maryland was all about agriculture (and maybe a little covert Catholicism), and Pennsylvania was a Quaker paradise famous for its tolerance (with some, ahem, reservations). But despite their differences, their focus on religious freedom and a diverse population set them apart from the more rigid colonies.
FAQ: How to Be More Like Rhode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania (Because Who Wouldn't Want To?)
- How to Embrace Religious Freedom (the Chill Way): Respect everyone's right to practice their faith, or not practice any faith at all. Bonus points for not starting holy wars (looking at you, Europe, throughout history).
- How to Build a Hodgepodge of Awesome: Welcome people from all walks of life and backgrounds. You might be surprised by the skills and ideas they bring to the table.
- How to Not Be a Total Jerk to Native Americans: This one's pretty self-explanatory. Treat them with respect and learn about their history and culture.
- How to Throw a Killer Colonial Party: Think fresh seafood from Rhode Island, crab cakes from Maryland, and Philly cheesesteaks for Pennsylvania. Don't forget to wear something comfortable – corsets are so last season.
- How to Be More Tolerant (Because It's 2024 and We Should Really Have This Down by Now): Listen to others, be open to different perspectives, and remember that everyone deserves respect, even those weird uncle figures at Thanksgiving dinner.
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