Maryland was originally formed as a refuge for __________.African slavesCatholicsPuritansNative Americans

Maryland was originally formed as a refuge for Catholics. The colony was established in 1632 when King Charles I granted the land to Cecil Calvert, known as Lord Baltimore, who was a Catholic. During this time, England was predominantly Protestant, and Catholicism was often persecuted. Lord Baltimore sought to create a safe haven for Catholics who faced religious discrimination in England. Maryland’s foundational principle was to promote religious tolerance, and its early laws included provisions to protect the rights of Catholics and other Christian denominations. This emphasis on religious freedom was a significant aspect of Maryland’s development and continues to be a part of its historical identity.