Final answer:
James Oglethorpe allowed the Jewish settlers to remain in Georgia because they had valuable skills that could contribute to the colony's success, leading to the establishment of a historic Jewish congregation in Savannah. So the correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oglethorpe's Reason for Allowing Jews in Georgia
The reason given by James Oglethorpe for allowing the Jews to stay in the Georgia colony, even though the Trustees wanted Protestant Christians to come, was a) Jews had valuable skills and could contribute to the colony's success. At that time, Georgia's charter ensured religious liberty for 'all', expressly excepting Catholics, and was open to religious refugees from diverse regions. Oglethorpe allowed the Jewish settlers to remain despite the Trustees' initial objections. This inclusive decision by Oglethorpe helped establish one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the modern-day United States in Savannah, Georgia. It was an important step in recognizing the practical benefits that skilled individuals, regardless of their religious background, could bring to the success of the new colony.
The Georgia Charter, under the Trustees, aimed at creating a socially diverse community that included smallholding farmers, merchants, and artisans who could defend the colony as a militia force. The colony was to be self-sufficient and was envisioned to become a source of luxury items such as wine and silk, although these industries failed. Despite resistance, Oglethorpe and the Trustees valued the skills and potential contributions of Jewish settlers to the colony's economy and defense.