"How Anti-Catholicism Helped Fuel the American Revolution"

Here is a worthwhile online series of essays -- about two years old now -- by Steve Waldman of "Beliefnet":

Pope Benedict XI, it is said, admires America’s religious freedom and history. I do too, especially where we have ended up. But as we focus this week on the role of Catholics in America, it’s worth remembering just how loathed Catholics were at the founding of this nation.

Indeed, to an extent rarely acknowledged anti-Catholicism helped fuel the American revolution.

If that sounds harsh, consider the evidence . . .