Which colony had strict regulations including bans on drinking rum and slavery before becoming a royal colony?

The correct answer is Georgia. Founded in the 1730s by James Oglethorpe, Georgia was designed as a social experiment that aimed to provide a fresh start for the poor and indebted, particularly those imprisoned for debt. To uphold its ideal of a classless society and prevent the rise of a wealthy elite, the colony imposed strict regulations. Initially, it prohibited the importation of rum and the practice of slavery, reflecting Oglethorpe's vision of a free and equitable society.

These regulations were intended to limit the influence of wealthy planters and maintain a more egalitarian community. Over time, however, as the colony grew and the economic benefits of slavery became apparent, these restrictions were lifted. Georgia eventually became a royal colony in 1752, which allowed for more direct control by the British crown and correspondingly led to the adoption of slavery as a labor system to support its agricultural economy.

Understanding this context illustrates the intention behind Georgia's early regulations, demonstrating its unique position compared to the other colonies, which had different founding motivations and governance structures.