Which of the following best describes the primary reason why Lord Baltimore established the colony of Maryland?

• A. To find gold and other precious metals
• B. To establish a penal colony for English prisoners
• C. To expand the fur trade with Native American tribes
• D. To create a haven for English Catholics facing religious persecution

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of the colony of Maryland, focusing on the motivations behind its establishment in the early 17th century.
2. Recognize that Lord Baltimore was a Catholic nobleman who sought to create a place where English Catholics could practice their religion freely without persecution.
3. Evaluate the options by comparing them to the known historical purpose of Maryland: it was not primarily founded for economic reasons like gold or fur trade, nor as a penal colony.
4. Identify that the primary reason was religious freedom, specifically to provide a safe haven for English Catholics facing persecution in England.
5. Conclude that the best description of Lord Baltimore's motivation is to create a haven for English Catholics facing religious persecution.