“British North American colonies mostly practiced religious tolerance.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the British North American colonies mostly practiced religious tolerance. Candidates may offer equal coverage of evidence supporting tolerance and intolerance or they may prioritize their assessment of either. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. As evidence to support tolerance candidates may refer to the desire by colonists to avoid the extremes of religious persecution and warfare experienced in Europe, the tenets of the Quaker faith that emphasized toleration and the Maryland Act of Toleration implemented by Catholics. As support for intolerance candidates might apply the theocratic practices of New England Puritans and the application of laws in some colonies (by Puritans and Anglicans) requiring taxes in support of an “established church”. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the rejection by European colonists of indigenous and African religious beliefs, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The assertion that British North American colonies practiced religious tolerance was rarely chosen and provided rather mediocre responses. Those who demonstrated an understanding of the demands focused on Puritan intolerance and often compared it to Quaker religious tolerance.