Puritans and Their Impact in America
Overview of Puritan Society and Early American History
Puritan Actions Against English Society
The Puritans were against certain activities in English society, specifically:
Theatre
Bear baiting
King James I's Response to Puritan Ideas
In response to Puritanical dissent, King James I created a new version of the Bible:
Known as the King James Bible.
This version exalted the majesty of kings and aimed to counteract Puritan ideologies.
Puritans as a National Security Threat
During the 1620s and 1630s, the English government considered the Puritans a national security threat due to their dissent and separatist tendencies.
The Plymouth Puritans
The initial group of Puritans that left for Plymouth was unique in that:
They were completely separate from the Church of England.
Pilgrims' Landing in America
The Pilgrims landed in America at:
Cape Cod, Virginia.
This was not their intended destination.
Leadership in Plymouth
The governor of Plymouth was:
William Bradford.
Significance of the Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was signed by:
William Bradford and 40 other men.
It served the purpose of ensuring practical cooperation among the early colonists in the new land.
Comparison to Chesapeake Colonists
Puritans differed from young men heading to the Chesapeake region:
Young men sought employment in Jamestown.
Puritan colonists typically arrived as whole families aiming to build a community in the Massachusetts Bay.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony
The new colony established by the Puritans in Massachusetts Bay was referred to as:
City upon a Hill.
Religious Differences
Puritan New England contrasted with England and other European regions largely in terms of:
Religion.
Puritans' Pursuit of Religious Freedom
Although the Puritans escaped England searching for religious freedom, they mirrored the English government regarding:
Ideas on literacy, as they held strong beliefs about education and reading the scriptures.
Banishment of Roger Williams
Roger Williams was banished from the colony because:
He challenged Puritan authorities.
After banishment, he relocated to:
Rhode Island.
Banishment of Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson was also banished for:
Challenging Puritan authorities and criticizing their evolving practices.
She was convicted of holding false beliefs.
Later, she sought safety among the Dutch in the Netherlands.
Beliefs About Witches
In the 1620s and 1630s, Puritans and other Europeans held specific beliefs about witches:
They believed witches may have allied with rival Native American tribes.
The Algonquin tribes also held negative views toward the Puritans, thinking they would form alliances against them.
Peace Treaty with Native Americans
In 1621, a peace treaty with the Pilgrims was concluded by:
Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag tribe.
Alliances with Native Tribes
In the 1630s, Puritans allied with:
Narragansett and Mohegan tribes.
The Pequot Tribe and Conflict in 1637
In 1637, the Pequot tribe was involved in a tragic massacre as:
They expanded claims into southern New England and faced devastating violence.
This resulted in the killing of many men, women, and children of the Pequot tribe.
Attempts to halt Puritan expansion were made by:
King Philip (Metacom).
King Philip's War
The conflict that arose in response to Puritan expansion was called:
King Philip's War.
Outcomes of King Philip's War
Initially, the allied Native American tribes were able to:
Prevail in some battles and take many captives.
Consequences for Native American Chief
Ultimately, the English prevailed, resulting in:
The severed head of the Native American chief being displayed publicly in Plymouth.
This conflict fostered:
A new, profound sense of hatred that became a defining feature in the relationship between English settlers and Native Americans.