Final answer:
Religious freedom in the New Hampshire Colony evolved over time, initially influenced by strict Puritan beliefs that did not tolerate much diversity, with later developments leading towards greater religious liberty, as evidenced by the Toleration Act of 1689 and the ideals that underpinned the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The topic of religious freedom and tolerance in the New Hampshire Colony is complex, especially when considering the historical period before the advent of the United States' Constitution. Initially, New Hampshire was a part of the New England colonies, which were predominantly Puritan and often did not practice religious tolerance to the same extent as colonies like Rhode Island or Pennsylvania. Strict Puritan beliefs influenced laws and societal norms to the degree that dissenting religious groups often found themselves persecuted or forced to leave to establish their own colonies.
Despite the overall lack of tolerance during the initial settlement period, the landscape of religious freedom in New Hampshire, like much of America, evolved over time. The colony was originally settled by a diverse group of settlers, including orthodox Puritans and followers of the Reverend John Wheelwright, a known exile and dissident. The towns in New Hampshire were created between 1623 and 1640 and became subject to Massachusetts' jurisdiction. It was during the late 17th and 18th centuries that America, more broadly, began to move towards the ideals of religious liberty articulated in key documents like the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
The Toleration Act of 1689, while not entirely inclusive of all religious minorities, especially Catholics, was a step towards increased religious diversity. By the time the Constitution was drafted with its First Amendment, many of the ideals that started in the early colonial period had matured into a commitment to religious freedom, even though several states, including New Hampshire, maintained a connection to Christian churches through public support well into the 19th century. The history of New Hampshire's journey towards religious freedom reflects the broader colonial struggle with religious tolerance and the gradual acceptance of different faiths.