Massachusetts II

What Christian denomination were the Puritans?

Congregationalists, non-Separatist Calvinists.

Who holds power in Congregationalism?

The congregation, not the clergy.

What modern church is Congregationalism similar to?

Southern Baptist Church—each church chooses its own pastor.

What were full-fledged members of the church called?

The Elect or Saints.

How did someone become a full-fledged Puritan church member?

By giving a public conversion narrative about being 'born again.'

What eventually made conversion experiences a problem?

They became extremely intense, traumatizing, and people avoided them.

Why did the number of Saints drop over time?

Fewer people wanted to go through the harsh conversion examinations.

What was a Puritan meeting house used for?

Church services, town meetings, and defense.

Why did meeting houses have slits near the top?

For shooting during attacks—last-ditch defense structure.

What form of local government did Puritans use?

Town meetings—very participatory, 'middle-class democracy.'

What type of system developed because church and state were intertwined?

A theocracy—religious and political leadership merged.

What were the two houses of Massachusetts government after 1644?

Upper House: Governor's Council / Council of Assistants; Lower House: House of Representatives (the Assembly).

What do historians call the lower houses of colonial legislatures?

Assemblies.

Why did Puritans value education?

To read the Bible, keep the Devil away, and show 'signs of salvation.'

What did the 1647 Old Deluder Act do?

Required towns to establish schools to combat 'the Old Deluder, Satan.'

What did early Puritan schools look like?

One-room schoolhouses for all grades, overseen by a schoolmaster.

When was Harvard founded and why?

1636; to train educated Puritan clergy.

What major recognition did Harvard receive in 1646?

Oxford University accepted a Harvard degree as equivalent.

What did Roger Williams argue for?

Separation of church and state to protect the church from corruption.

What was Roger Williams' punishment for dissent?

Banished; founded Providence, Rhode Island.

What controversial question did Anne Hutchinson ask?

'How do you know your clergy are saved?'

What happened to Anne Hutchinson after exile?

Killed in New York by Native Americans; Puritans took it as divine judgment.

What effect did Anne Hutchinson's trial have on women's rights in court?

Women's ability to speak or defend themselves was severely restricted.

What were key Quaker beliefs that upset England and the Puritans?

Egalitarianism, spiritual equality, pacifism; refusing to show deference.

How did Puritans treat Quakers?

With extreme intolerance—arrests, banishment, even execution.

Which colony was founded as a Quaker haven?

Pennsylvania.