Which colony was established as a debtors' haven and a buffer against Spanish Florida?

The colony established as a debtors' haven and a buffer against Spanish Florida is Georgia. Founded in 1732 by James Oglethorpe and a group of trustees, Georgia was envisioned as a place where impoverished individuals and debtors could begin anew, escaping the harsh conditions of debtor's prisons in England. This settlement provided an opportunity for these individuals to cultivate the land and contribute to the colonial economy.

Additionally, Georgia was strategically positioned as a buffer between the more established English colonies to the north and Spanish Florida to the south. The establishment of this colony served both social and military purposes, as it aimed to protect the more economically prosperous colonies from potential Spanish incursions.

The other options, such as Virginia and South Carolina, were originally established for different economic reasons, focusing more on plantation agriculture and trade, while New Hampshire was primarily founded for fishing and timber resources rather than as a refuge for debtors. Thus, Georgia's dual purpose of being a safe haven for debtors and a defensive buffer highlights its unique role in the colonial landscape.