Who was banished from Boston in 1631 for being a respected Puritan minister and later founded Providence?

The correct choice is Roger Williams, who was a prominent and respected Puritan minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. His banishment from Boston in 1631 stemmed from his beliefs that emphasized the need for separation of church and state, as well as his advocacy for the fair treatment of Native Americans. Williams argued that individuals should not be punished for their religious beliefs, which clashed with the more rigid Puritan ideology that was prevalent at the time.

After his banishment, Williams founded the settlement of Providence in 1636, which became a refuge for those seeking religious freedom, including not only dissenting Puritans but also individuals of various faiths. This was significant as it marked one of the first instances in America where freedom of religion was openly practiced, setting a precedent for future religious tolerance.

This context highlights Williams' critical role in the development of early American ideals regarding freedom and church-state separation, distinguishing him from other figures like Anne Hutchinson, who also faced banishment but for different reasons related to her religious beliefs and challenges to gender roles within the Puritan community.