DBQ Activity: Were the Colonies Really Religiously “Free”? (Grades 8-12)

Ask most Americans why the colonies were founded and “religious freedom” comes up fast. This print-and-go DBQ asks students to test that claim against the evidence.

Students work through four primary source excerpts from colonial law to answer the question: To what extent were the American colonies religiously “free?” It’s a “to what extent” prompt, so students have to land on a nuanced answer instead of a yes or no.

What’s inside

• 4 documents, each with a short background box and 3-4 guided questions:

  • Virginia Colonial Laws (1610)

  • Massachusetts Colonial Laws (1648)

  • Maryland Act of Religious Toleration (1649)

  • Pennsylvania: An Act for Freedom of Conscience (1682)

• A final writing prompt: 1-2 paragraphs using specific evidence from the documents

• A full answer key with sample responses for every question and the final prompt

Details

• Time: 45-90 minutes

• Grade level: 8-12

• Format: PDF, 14 pages, ready to print and hand to students

• Works for U.S. History, AP-style document practice, and homeschool

This activity is also part of the Unit 2: Colonial Era plan. For use by one teacher (classroom or homeschool). For school or district licensing, contact zach@antisocialstudies.org