ID: Puritans
When: 1620s - 1680s (primarily)
Who:
- Separatists (Pilgrims): Broke completely from the Church of England. Settled Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620).
- Non-Separatists (Puritans): Sought to reform the Church of England from within. Settled Massachusetts Bay Colony (1630 and following years). Key figures include John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson.
What:
A group of English Protestants who sought to “purify” the Church of England from what they saw as Catholic influences. They established several colonies in New England, including Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay, driven by religious zeal and the desire to create a “city upon a hill”—a model society guided by their strict religious beliefs. Their theology emphasized predestination, hard work, and strict moral codes. Their governance was theocratic, with religious leaders holding significant political power.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Development of New England: Established the foundation for New England’s culture and society.
- Religious Intolerance: Their intolerance towards dissenters led to the expulsion of individuals like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson, contributing to the founding of Rhode Island and other colonies.
- Theocratic Government: Established a model of government based on religious principles, influencing later political developments in the colonies.
- Influence on American Identity: Their emphasis on self-governance, community, and hard work contributed to the development of American values.
- Salem Witch Trials (1692): A dark chapter illustrating the dangers of religious extremism and mass hysteria, highlighting the darker side of Puritan society.
- Education: Established Harvard College (1636) to train ministers, demonstrating a commitment to education and literacy.