Final answer:
The oldest religious congregations in the United States that still exist today were established by the Puritans and Quakers. The Puritans formed congregational churches in New England, while the Quakers founded Pennsylvania. Additionally, in 1492, Jews and Muslims were forced to convert or leave Spain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two groups that established some of the oldest religious congregations in the United States that still exist today are Puritans and Quakers. The Puritans, remembered for their strict adherence to their religious principles, established congregations in New England, particularly in Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut. These were called congregational churches, as they were organized by visible saints who covenanted together to form a church body without a hierarchical structure. Notable Puritan leaders in Massachusetts included John Cotton and Richard Mather. On the other hand, the Quakers, also known as the Society of Friends, founded Pennsylvania. The Quakers were known for their pacifism and emphasis on inner revelation.
Additionally, in 1492, the Spanish monarchy mandated that two other religious groups, Jews and Muslims, either convert to Christianity or leave the country. This event was part of the larger Christian reconquest of Spain, known as the Reconquista, which culminated in the fall of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, and set the stage for Spanish exploration and colonization endeavors.