New England

Section 2.3

Main Idea

• The Pilgrims founded colonies in Massachusetts based on Puritan religious ideals, while dissent led to the founding of other New England colonies.

Puritan Roots

• The Church of England (Anglican Church) was the official religion of the land.

• People in England were required to pay taxes to the church and attend services.

• Some Protestants did not agree with the luxury and wealth that the church leaders flaunted.

• They became known as Puritans, because they wanted to “purify” religion.

The Pilgrims Set Sail

• In 1620, a group of 101 left Europe to voyage to the Americas.

• A pilgrim is one who travels for religious purposes; these pilgrims sought to practice their faith without the interference of England.

• A joint-stock company was formed. Their ship, the Mayflower, got lost and landed in what is now known as Massachusetts.

You Know the Story….

• The 1st winter was rough, half died.

• The local Indians were empathetic, and gave them food.

• The next year was successful, and they help a huge thanksgiving feast to celebrate.

Mayflower Compact

• Before the Pilgrims landed in Mass., they agreed to a type of government.

• The Mayflower Compact stated that the people would consent (agree) on the laws.

• Although technically under the power of the King they would need to make their own laws.

• Like the House of Burgesses, Iroquois League, and Magna Carta, the M Comp was another important step toward American democracy.

Great Migration

• The success of the Puritans led to more migrants to Massachusetts.

• John Winthrop led a settlement that became Boston.

• This group also practiced limited democracy.

Connecticut

• The Puritans in Mass. Closely tied their religion to law.

• Strict codes were enforced for behavior, and hard work was required.

• Some wished for a greater separation of church and government.

• A group moved away from Mass. and founded Connecticut by creating the 1st constitution of the new world.

• Voting rights were given to all free men.

Rhode Island

• Others left Mass. for similar reasons and founded RI.

• Anne Hutchinson openly spoke out against the Puritan Church, and was banished to RI.

• RI became the 1st colony to officially adopt freedom of religion, attracting many Jews and Catholics.

Royal Colonies

• New Hampshire became the 1st royal colony; it was directly controlled by the King of England.

Salem Witch Trials

• Superstition often went along with the unknown- that is true of New England.

• In 1692, many women were accused of witchcraft, leading to their execution with little evidence.

Colonial Life

• Some communities required a basic elementary education.

• Harvard and Yale were both established by churches and offered opportunity to the elite.

• Most areas were governed by town meetings, an early form of direct democracy in which all eligible citizens had a vote on laws.

Pequot War

• The settlers soon forgot the help the Indians had given and conflicts soon arose.

• In 1637 the Puritans surrounded a nearby Indian fort and set it on fire and murdered hundreds.

• In 1675 another rash of attacks achieved the settlers goal of eliminating most Indians from NE.