How did the geography of Europe and the American colonies affect religion in the colonial period?
In Europe, there was limited available land. Due to the crowded conditions, it made sense for government and religion to work together to control the population (see questions 5 and 6) and a single dominant religion lessened the possibilities of controversies or rebellion. In the colonies there was an abundance of land. Different religious groups could, and often did, settle great distances apart. This reduced religious tension — all could find a place to call their own in the American colonies. European dissidents believed they could establish their own communities without fear of governmental interference. This, naturally, was a great incentive in group colonization — a concept that continued to attract immigrants after the Revolution. This discussion can also lead to the Great Awakening and Revolutionary American thought. You may choose to wait and address these questions at that time in the chronological study. • Ask the students to imagine life in the American colonies, particular
