the French Huguenots who arrived in the colony is the 1680s and 1690s eventually sided with the Anglicans
To understand why the French Huguenots who arrived in the American colonies in the 1680s and 1690s eventually sided with the Anglicans, we need to look at the historical context.
1. Background on the French Huguenots: The Huguenots were French Protestants who faced persecution due to their religious beliefs. In the late 17th century, many Huguenots fled France to escape religious persecution and settled in various parts of the world, including the American colonies.
2. Reasons for siding with the Anglicans:
a) Shared Protestantism: Both the Huguenots and the Anglicans were Protestant groups, though with different theological traditions. They shared some core beliefs, such as the rejection of Roman Catholicism. This common ground may have contributed to a sense of religious affinity among the Huguenots in the colonies.
b) Political and economic considerations: In the American colonies, the Anglican Church had a strong presence and often enjoyed political and economic advantages. Many prominent landowners, merchants, and influential individuals in the colonies were Anglicans. The Huguenots, seeking stability, opportunities, and social acceptance, might have been motivated to align themselves with the dominant religious group.
c) Integration and assimilation: Over time, the Huguenots may have sought to integrate into the colonial society and blend into their new environment. Aligning with the Anglicans, who were the majority, would have facilitated better chances of social acceptance and assimilation. Additionally, intermarriage between Huguenot and Anglican families furthered this process.
It is important to note that this generalization may not apply to every Huguenot individual or community in the American colonies, as individuals had different experiences and motivations. However, these factors provide a broader understanding of the dynamics that led to some Huguenots aligning with the Anglicans.