Why was the Act of Toleration so important in Maryland and U.S. history?
• The act was the first to allow freedom of religion in the American colonies and it was the first to provide for the separation of church and state. Although the Act only allowed freedom of religion for Christians, it was important because it was the first to state the idea that religion was a private matter of conscience. Freedom of religion and the separation of church and state are now rights guaranteed to all Americans under the U.S. Constitution. Finally: If the question of slavery is raised: in the early days of the colony, slavery was not an established institution in Maryland. This came about later in the century due to the tobacco trade. Tobacco became the most important cash crop and required a lot of work to grow it. It is important to note that not all African Americans in 17th century Maryland were slaves. In fact, an African American named Mathias deSouza was a member of the first session of the General Assembly of freemen.
