In Noeleen McIlvennas, Early American Rebels, the author discusses various uprisings and rebellions in British North America throughout the 17th century, especially in Maryland, but to a lesser extent in Virginia and the Carolinas as well.
McIlvenna is careful to connect these occurrences in British North America back to events in Britain, particularly the English Civil War, Cromwells Republic, and the Restoration of the British monarchy in 1660. Throughout her analysis, religion is a prevalent theme.
Write an essay explaining how and why anti-Catholic sentiment fueled movements for representative government in British North America. How does McIlvenna attempt to reconcile colonial-era anti-Catholic prejudice with her genuine sympathy for these pro-republican/pro-democracy rebels? Does her framing convince you?
