Colonial American Settlement, Governance, and Religious Freedom

Economic and Religious Motivations for American Settlement

  • Contrast in Settlement Objectives:
    • The Virginia Charter and the Virginia Company aimed to harvest resources, engage in bartering, and generate economic profit.
    • Other colonial settlements were established primarily for religious reasons rather than commercial gain.

Calvinist Theology and Predestination

  • Principles of Calvinism:
    • Developed by John Calvin, a Swiss theologian.
    • Centered on the concept of predestination, which asserts that a specific, predetermined group of people is chosen.

Governance and Constitutional Principles

  • Foundations of Early Colonial Governance:
    • Foundational documents set explicit election terms and specific election dates.
    • Imposed strict term limits on governing officials.
    • Established that the government exists solely to serve the populace and represent the direct will of the people, rather than functioning as an intertwined church-state entity.

Separation of Church and State and Native American Relations

  • Separation of Church and State:
    • Combining religious authority and civil government eliminates genuine freedom of religion.
    • Church and state must remain completely separate to ensure that every individual retains total religious liberty.
  • Relations with Native Americans:
    • Open advocacy for the rights of Native Americans served as a distinct exception to the prevailing norms of the era.
    • Maintained exceptionally friendly and respectful relations with Native American groups.
    • Believed in constructive interaction and peaceful relations, which enabled survival and the establishment of a successful colony on Westbrook Island.
    • The colony was founded on the fundamental principles of absolute religious freedom and equal rights for Native Americans.

Founding and Economic Growth of New Hampshire

  • Timeline and Economic Activity:
    • New Hampshire was established in the year 1623.
    • The settlement created highly profitable coastal fishing and maritime trading industries along the shoreline.
    • The colony formally received an official land grant in the year 1629.