In early colonial American history, the colony of Maryland was established primarily as a place of refuge for which religious group?

Introduction / Context:
Several of the English colonies in North America were founded as religious refuges, where particular groups could practise their faith more freely. Understanding which colony was associated with which group is a key part of early American history. Maryland stands out because it was closely linked with Roman Catholics who faced legal and social discrimination in England during the seventeenth century.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question focuses on the founding purpose of Maryland as a colony.

• It asks specifically which religious group sought refuge there.

• Options include Orthodox Christians, Roman Catholics, Anabaptists, and a none of the above choice.

• The time period is the seventeenth century, when English law treated Catholicism with suspicion.

Concept / Approach:
To answer this question, it helps to link each colony with its founding group. For example, Massachusetts Bay was closely associated with Puritans, Pennsylvania with Quakers, and Maryland with Roman Catholics. The family of Lord Baltimore, who received the charter for Maryland, was Catholic and planned the colony as a place where Catholics could live with more religious freedom, while still allowing other Christians to settle there as well.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Maryland was founded under the leadership of the Calvert family, also known as the Lords Baltimore. Step 2: Remember that the Calverts were Roman Catholics at a time when Catholics in England could not freely practise their faith and faced political restrictions. Step 3: Recognise that the Maryland Toleration Act later offered a degree of protection for Christians, especially safeguarding Catholic worship. Step 4: Compare these facts with the options and note that Roman Catholics facing discrimination in England fits the historical context of Maryland founding. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that names Roman Catholics as the group seeking refuge.

Verification / Alternative check:
History texts often describe Maryland as a Catholic refuge, founded in 1632 and settled in 1634. They point out that while the colony eventually included many Protestants, its early identity was bound up with Catholic leadership and with efforts to protect Catholic worship from persecution. No major sources identify Maryland as a principal refuge for Orthodox Christians or Anabaptists, which confirms the choice of Roman Catholics.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Members of Orthodox churches are more closely associated with Eastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, not with the founding of Maryland.

• Anabaptists did seek safe places in various regions, but they are more commonly linked with central Europe and later with other American colonies, not specifically with Maryland founding purpose.

• None of the above is incorrect because one of the listed groups, Roman Catholics, does accurately match Maryland origin story.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse the different religious colonies, mixing up Catholics, Puritans, Quakers, and others. A useful memory aid is to connect Massachusetts with Puritans, Pennsylvania with Quakers, Rhode Island with advocates of religious liberty, and Maryland with Roman Catholics. Keeping these associations clear helps answer many similar exam questions.

Final Answer:
Maryland was established primarily as a refuge for Roman Catholics facing discrimination in England.