Chapter 1–6 Vocabulary Notes (Religion and Early English Colonies)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the introduction to Protestant reformations, the Church of England, Puritans, and early English colonies in North America.

Predestination

The Calvinist belief that God has foreordained who will be saved; the elect are those chosen.

The Elect

The community of predestined believers whose fate is sealed by God in Calvinist theology.

Calvinism

A Protestant doctrine emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God, with faith confirmed by good works.

Good Works

Actions that demonstrate faith and, in Calvinism, confirm one’s predestined status.

Nullification

The legal cancellation of a contract or marriage; used to attempt to end a marriage in Henry VIII’s case.

Pope

The head of the Catholic Church; authority Henry VIII sought to bypass to obtain his divorce.

Church of England

The English national church established by Henry VIII; led by the sovereign, not the pope.

Henry VIII

English king who separated from Rome, created the Church of England, and sought a nullification of his marriage.

Puritans

English Calvinists who wanted to purify the Church of England and later migrated to North America.

Pulpit

The raised platform in a church from which sermons are delivered; also refers to the preacher’s office.

Charter

A royal grant giving settlers permission to establish and govern a colony.

Massachusetts Bay Colony

Puritan settlement founded in 1630 in present-day Massachusetts; a major early Puritan colony.

City upon a Hill

Winthrop’s 1630 speech urging Puritans to build an exemplary, watchful community for others to imitate.

Jamestown

The first permanent English colony in North America, established in 1607 in Virginia.

Roanoke (Lost Colony)

Earlier English attempt in present-day North Carolina that disappeared with no trace.