Geography
Rhode Island was in the southern part of the New England Colonies. It was founded in 1644 by Roger Williams. The southeast of Rhode Island borders the Atlantic Ocean, thus, fishing was prominent. To the north was the Massachusetts Bay Colony and to the west was Connecticut. Similar to the other New England colonies, Rhode Island did not have the most ideal farming conditions, as the soil was rocky and lacked the important nutrients to grow crops. It was mostly characterized by lowlands along the coast with slight hills towards the north and mainland.
The seasons included long, cold winters and shorter summers. Rhode Island included what is now known as the Narragansett Bay and several important rivers including the Blackstone and Pawtuxet. This colony was also considered to be the "sewer" as unbelievers and religious dissenters were sent here.
The seasons included long, cold winters and shorter summers. Rhode Island included what is now known as the Narragansett Bay and several important rivers including the Blackstone and Pawtuxet. This colony was also considered to be the "sewer" as unbelievers and religious dissenters were sent here.
Political Features
Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams after he challenged the role of the government in the Massachusetts Bay Colony as well as their treatment of the Native Americans. In the colony of Rhode Island, the role of the government was quite limited. It could not have control over religious matters and was only allowed to punish people for civil crimes. All matters regarding religion were taken to the church, not to the government.
Being fair towards the Native Americans was emphasized as well as not to steal their land as the people of the Massachusetts Bay Colony had. Another important point of the government was the separation of church and state known as the "Wall of Separation," which later influenced the "No Establishment" clause of the Constitution. There was much political freedom in Rhode Island, and it was considered to be the most liberal colony of the thirteen. The universal male suffrage and equal opportunity contributed to its liberal nature. With the government's limited role in terms of religion, the colony of Rhode Island prospered without religious tensions.
Being fair towards the Native Americans was emphasized as well as not to steal their land as the people of the Massachusetts Bay Colony had. Another important point of the government was the separation of church and state known as the "Wall of Separation," which later influenced the "No Establishment" clause of the Constitution. There was much political freedom in Rhode Island, and it was considered to be the most liberal colony of the thirteen. The universal male suffrage and equal opportunity contributed to its liberal nature. With the government's limited role in terms of religion, the colony of Rhode Island prospered without religious tensions.
Economic Features
Rhode Island had several economic features. Since the separation of church and state was highly emphasized, taxes from the people did not support the church.
In 1644, the colony was chartered which gave the squatters rights to land. Fishing was an essential part of Rhode Island's economy. This was due to the fact that Rhode Island borders the ocean and has several important rivers with an abundance of fish, enabling a strong fishing trade.
In 1644, the colony was chartered which gave the squatters rights to land. Fishing was an essential part of Rhode Island's economy. This was due to the fact that Rhode Island borders the ocean and has several important rivers with an abundance of fish, enabling a strong fishing trade.
Social and Religious Features
When founding the colony of Rhode Island, Roger Williams emphasized freedom of religion. All people were welcome there, regardless of their religious backgrounds. Some of these religions included the Jews, Catholics, and Quakers, and the first baptist church was actually built in Providence, Rhode Island at this time.
As previously mentioned, a social aspect of Rhode Island was the fact that there was universal male suffrage, meaning that all men could vote; however, this was not the case for women. Another social aspect was that there was equal opportunity as special privileges for different people were not tolerated. Since Rhode Island was the "dumping ground" for religious dissenters from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the population was very individualistic and independent.
As previously mentioned, a social aspect of Rhode Island was the fact that there was universal male suffrage, meaning that all men could vote; however, this was not the case for women. Another social aspect was that there was equal opportunity as special privileges for different people were not tolerated. Since Rhode Island was the "dumping ground" for religious dissenters from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the population was very individualistic and independent.