The Founding of Plymouth & Massachusetts Bay Colonies

A series of vocabulary flashcards based on the founding of Plymouth and the Massachusetts Bay Colonies, covering key terms and definitions related to the Pilgrims, governance, and historical context.

Massachusetts

Originates from the Native American word 'Massachusett' meaning 'at the large hill'.

Pilgrims

Separatists who sought religious freedom and established Plymouth colony in 1620.

Separatists

Puritans who physically separated from the attempt to reform the Church of England.

Great Blue Hill

Refers to the large hill that the name Massachusetts is derived from.

Squanto

A Native American who helped the Pilgrims with agriculture and survival techniques.

Pawtuxet Tribe

The tribe that Squanto was part of, assisting the Pilgrims.

Royal Charter

A document granting a company the right to create a colony, as received by the Massachusetts Bay Company.

John Winthrop

Wealthy attorney and stockholder in the Massachusetts Bay Company, who led Puritans to America.

The Great Migration

A period during which 20,000 settlers left England for New England due to economic conditions.

Boston

The capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony founded as part of the Great Migration.

General Court

The representative assembly created to govern the colony, made up of freemen.

Theocracy

A government guided by religious principles and beliefs.

Freemen

Stockholders in the colony allowed to participate in elections and governance.

Royal Charter Lock Incident

John Winthrop hid the Royal Charter from settlers to maintain control over the colony's governance.

Economic Depression

The decline in England's wool industry contributing to the Puritan migration.

Puritan Refuge

The goal of establishing a colony that served as a safe haven for Puritans in America.

Voting Rights

Initially limited, these rights expanded to allow towns to elect deputies for the General Court.