Strengths:
- Religious freedom (only colony that welcomed Jews); Roger Williams believed that people should have the right to choose who they believe in and how they would like to worship.
- No religion / church requirements ; welcomes all religions (Protestants, Jews, Catholics, etc.)
- All white men who owned property had to right to vote.
- Fierce independence / self government
- Cold winters reduce the spreading of disease (warmer climates cause bacteria to spread faster)
- Rhode Island had been the only colony that was originally purchased land from the natives, whereas other founders had charters (grants) or other forms of establishing colonies. Because Rhode Island was bought from the natives, there was peace and trades between both the colonists and the natives
- Safe haven for those trying to escape religious persecution
Poll:
The name of Rhode Island is the original Dutch name "Roodt Eylandt" meaning "red island"(red clays from shore)