Maryland
In the early 1600s, the first Lord Baltimore, George Calvert, sought to settle what is now known as Maryland as a religious refuge for English Catholics, as well as to take advantage of real estate. Although he died before he could see his dream go to fruition, the second Lord Baltimore, Cecilius, was able to receive a royal charter in 1632 and colonize. (12) It was named after Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, and the current state capital, Baltimore, was named after the Lords. (13)
Geographical Factors
Located on the Mid-Atlantic, the shores of Maryland provide minerals that enrich the soil along the coast up to 100 miles inland. The warm and moist climate was perfect for cultivating cash crops such as tobacco However, the heat also stimulated the spread of disease. (12) With waterways such as the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, goods could be easily transported throughout the state.
Socio-Religious Factors
The formation of Maryland was based on providing Catholics a communal refuge from Anglican England, yet the Calverts urged people of all religious backgrounds to come to the colony to ensure success. Unbeknownst to them, Puritan workers and artisans would outnumber Catholic gentlemen by a large proportion. As an attempt at protecting Catholics, the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 would be passed, as despite it having little effect, it provided an important precedent for religious freedom dictated in law as seen today in the First Amendment of the Constitution. (17) Due to the high production of tobacco, indentured servitude was prevalent in Maryland and the Headright System took place. With more servants, plantation owners gained more land, and once servants had finished their contractual work, they were given their own plot to cultivate. (12)
Political Factors
Maryland was a proprietary colony, meaning that the monarch had given kingly power to a proprietor as if he were an independent sovereign. A colonial assembly was in place with upper and lower houses to discuss taxation and institution of English laws upon citizens. This bicameral structure is still implemented in Maryland today. In colonial times, political tensions had formed between the Puritan majority and the Catholic minority, and despite the wishes of the Calverts, within time, Catholics had lost legislative power to the Puritans.
Economic Factors
During its early years as a colony, Maryland's economy was vastly dependent on the cash crop tobacco, and indentured servants along with African slaves worked the fields to supply the high demand. (12) Additionally, a large fishing industry had developed with high value on lobster, crab, and other shellfish, and a plentiful supply of forest led to increased trade in lumber. However, as the years progressed, an uptake in industry would emerge.