•  
  •  
 

Abstract

The American Revolution was a call for both individual freedom and freedom from British Rule. Tyrannical rule, taxation without representation in Parliament, and British military control of the colonies were all central to the Revolution, as was the emphasis on individual rights. One such right sought by the American colonists was the right to practice a religion of their choosing – but there was much debate about how freedom of religion would apply in the colonies. Ironically, the same freedom of religion which was central to the Revolution was not equally applied to all religions – in the colonies, Catholicism was widely persecuted, and Catholics were not afforded many of the same freedoms as other colonists. In fact, several state constitutions were specifically crafted to prevent Catholics from running for public office, and even to create barriers for them to become naturalized citizens. Despite these barriers, the Carroll family championed religious liberty from different fronts: Charles through state politics, John through ecclesiastical leadership, and Daniel through federal legislation. As practicing Catholics, the Carroll family demonstrated that that one’s faith was not a barrier to service. They were instrumental in shaping the United States government, with Charles Carroll influencing Maryland’s State Constitution, John Carroll leveraging his diplomatic ties with Benjamin Franklin, and Daniel Carroll providing crucial support to James Madison during the drafting of the First Amendment. Though they may seem like obscure figures of the Revolution, the Carrolls’ efforts were essential in transforming the principle of religious freedom from a philosophical ideal into an American reality, proving that public service and personal faith could coexist in the new Republic – even for Catholics.

Download

Share

COinS