What was unique about the founding of the colony of Georgia compared to other colonies?

The colony of Georgia was distinct in its founding compared to other colonies primarily because it was not established for the typical reasons of religion, politics, or economic gain that characterized many of the other British colonies. Instead, Georgia was founded in 1732 by James Oglethorpe and others as a buffer state to protect South Carolina from Spanish Florida and to provide a fresh start for the poor and indebted, particularly those imprisoned for debt. This humanitarian vision included the idea of a colony where those in need could have a second chance, reflecting a social reform mindset rather than the more common motivations of seeking wealth or a religious haven.

While some colonies, such as Massachusetts, were founded for religious freedom, and others, like Virginia, were established with economic ambitions, Georgia's unique position as a place of rehabilitation and social experimentation sets it apart in colonial history. This rationale of charity and social improvement rather than economic exploitation or political power is what defines Georgia's founding.