• 1517: Martin Luther, a German friar, unknowingly sparked a revolution when he protested against Catholic doctrines, which led to the Protestant Reformation, reshaping religious beliefs across Europe and influencing future settlers of America.

• 1536: John Calvin published Institutes of the Christian Religion, expanding on Luther's ideas and creating a framework for Calvinism.

• Definition of Calvinism: Calvinism emphasized:

  • God's complete control over everything and the inherent sinfulness of humanity.

  • Predestination: The belief that God had already decided who would be saved and who would be condemned.

  • "Visible saints": Those chosen for salvation (the "elect") were expected to lead holy lives, showing signs of their salvation through their actions and behavior.

• 1530s: King Henry VIII, then King of England, dramatically broke away from the Roman Catholic Church when the Pope refused to annul his marriage. By creating the Church of England, Henry not only changed English religion but also set the stage for further religious upheaval.

• Definition of Puritans: The Puritans were a group of devout English Protestants who wanted to "purify" the Church of England, believing it still held too many Catholic practices. They longed for a simpler, more direct relationship with God.

• 1603-1625: King James I, who ruled England during this period, saw the Separatists (radical Puritans who wanted to break away completely from the Church of England) as a threat. Fearing they might challenge his authority, he persecuted them, pushing many to seek freedom in the New World.

• 1620s: Some of the most committed Puritans, known as Separatists, left England to escape persecution. They made the perilous journey to America, hoping to build new communities where they could practice their faith freely and create a society based on their religious ideals.

THE PILGRIMS END THEIR PILGRIMAGE AT PLYMOUTH

• 1608: A group of Separatists fleeing persecution in England left for Holland, where they faced economic hardship and cultural assimilation. They sought a new home where they could practice their faith as English Protestants.

• 1620: After 12 years in Holland, the Separatists negotiated with the Virginia Company and set sail on the Mayflower, which missed its destination and landed on the coast of New England. The ship carried 102 passengers, including a newborn named Oceanus and Captain Myles Standish.

• 1620: The Pilgrims chose Plymouth Bay for their settlement, outside the Virginia Company’s jurisdiction, making them squatters without legal rights or a formal government. They drafted the Mayflower Compact, a precursor to democratic self-government, agreeing to form a government and follow majority rule.

• 1620–1621: The first winter was brutal, with only 44 of the 102 settlers surviving. Despite the hardships, none of the remaining Pilgrims left when the Mayflower returned to England.

• 1621: The colony’s fortunes improved with a successful harvest, leading to the first Thanksgiving. Plymouth’s economy eventually thrived on fur, fish, and lumber, establishing a foothold in the region.

• Leadership: William Bradford, a highly educated and respected leader, served as governor 30 times. He was concerned about non-Puritan settlers potentially undermining the colony’s religious mission.

• 1691: By this time, Plymouth had a population of about 7,000. The small colony merged with the larger Massachusetts Bay Colony, but its moral and spiritual influence was significant despite its limited economic and numerical impact.

THE BAY COLONY BIBLE COMMONWEALTH

• Separatists vs. Moderates: The Separatist Pilgrims were dedicated extremists, committed to completely separating from the Church of England. In contrast, more moderate Puritans aimed to reform the Church from within.

• 1629: King Charles I dismissed Parliament and supported anti-Puritan measures by Archbishop William Laud, prompting many Puritans to fear for their faith and England's future.

• 1629: Non-Separatist Puritans formed the Massachusetts Bay Company and secured a royal charter to establish a large settlement in Massachusetts, with Boston becoming a central hub. They brought their charter with them, using it as a de facto constitution to avoid royal interference.

• 1630: The Massachusetts Bay Colony was established with a well-equipped expedition of eleven ships carrying nearly a thousand immigrants. This was the largest English settlement attempt of its time. During the Great Migration of the 1630s, around 70,000 refugees left England, with about 20,000 settling in Massachusetts. Many others went to the West Indies, particularly Barbados.

• John Winthrop: A prominent and prosperous Englishman, Winthrop became the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Believing he had a divine calling, he led the colony for 19 years. His leadership and the skills of settlers like him helped Massachusetts thrive in fur trading, fishing, and shipbuilding.

• Massachusetts Bay Colony: The colony quickly became the largest and most influential of the New England settlements. Winthrop and other leaders envisioned it as a "city upon a hill," a model of a holy society with a covenant with God, serving as an example to the world.

BUILDING THE BAY COLONY

• Early Governance: Shortly after the arrival of the colonists, the franchise was extended to all adult males who were members of Puritan congregations (later known as the Congregational Church). Women and unchurched men did not have voting rights.

• Voting Rights: By the early 17th century, about two-fifths of adult males had voting rights in provincial matters, a larger proportion than in contemporary England. Town governments were more inclusive, allowing male property holders and sometimes other residents to participate in local governance.

• Governor Winthrop’s Views: John Winthrop, the colony's first governor (1630–1649), distrusted democracy, viewing it as flawed. He and other leaders believed that the government’s role was to enforce God’s laws, and both believers and nonbelievers paid taxes for the government-supported church.

• Religious Influence: John Cotton, a prominent Puritan clergyman educated at Cambridge University, moved to Massachusetts to escape persecution. He was influential in defending the government’s role in enforcing religious rules. Preachers like Cotton could not hold political office, and congregations had the authority to hire and fire ministers.

• Separation of Church and State: The colony practiced a limited form of the separation of church and state to avoid the union of religious and political power.

• Puritan Lifestyle: Despite their intense spirituality, Puritans engaged in worldly pursuits and enjoyed simple pleasures. They adhered to the “Protestant ethic,” which emphasized hard work and engagement in worldly affairs. They also enacted sumptuary laws to control certain behaviors, with Connecticut earning the nickname “Blue Law State” due to its restrictive laws printed on blue paper.

• Hellfire and Morality: Michael Wigglesworth, a clergyman, published the popular poem “Day of Doom” in 1662, vividly describing the torments of hell. The poem was widely read and reflected the Puritans’ serious approach to morality and damnation.

TROUBLE IN THE BIBLE COMMONWEALTH

• Early Social Harmony: The Massachusetts Bay Colony initially enjoyed social harmony due to shared beliefs. However, dissent soon emerged.

• Quaker Persecution: Quakers were persecuted for defying Puritan authority. They faced fines, floggings, banishment, and, in extreme cases, execution. Four Quakers, including a woman, were hanged on Boston Common for resisting expulsion.

• Anne Hutchinson:

  • Background: Anne Hutchinson was an intelligent and outspoken woman, mother of fourteen, who challenged Puritan orthodoxy.

  • Antinomianism: She argued that a holy life was not a guarantee of salvation and that the truly saved did not need to obey either God’s or man’s laws, which was considered high heresy.

  • Trial and Banishment: In 1638, Hutchinson was tried and eventually banished after claiming her beliefs came from a direct revelation from God. She moved to Rhode Island and then New York, where she and most of her family were killed by Indians. John Winthrop saw her fate as divine retribution.

• Roger Williams:

  • Background: Roger Williams was a Salem minister known for his radical ideas. He was an extreme Separatist and criticized the Bay Colony’s charter for unjustly taking land from the Indians.

  • Challenge to Authority: Williams also denied the authority of civil government to regulate religious behavior, challenging the Puritan view of government.

  • Exile: In 1635, Williams was ordered banished for his "newe & dangerous opinions." He delayed his departure due to illness but was eventually exiled to England. However, he managed to escape this fate.

• Rhode Island: Williams founded the colony of Rhode Island, which offered religious freedom and fair dealings with the Native Americans, becoming a haven for dissenters and those seeking refuge from Puritan orthodoxy.

THE RHODE ISLAND “SEWER”

• Roger Williams in Rhode Island:

  • Arrival: In 1636, Roger Williams fled to Rhode Island with the help of friendly Indians, escaping harsh winter conditions.

  • Founding Providence: At Providence, Williams established what is believed to be the first Baptist church in America and promoted complete religious freedom.

  • Religious Tolerance: Williams allowed freedom of religion for all, including Jews and Catholics, and imposed no religious oaths, compulsory worship, or taxes for church support. He also sheltered Quakers despite disagreeing with their beliefs.

• Rhode Island’s Liberalism:

  • Political Freedom: The colony practiced simple manhood suffrage from its inception, although this was later restricted by a property qualification. It was known for its lack of special privileges and broad freedom of opportunity.

  • Community Composition: Rhode Island attracted dissenters and exiles from other colonies, including Anne Hutchinson, who found the atmosphere in the Bay Colony too restrictive. The colony was sometimes derisively called “that sewer” by Puritan clergy.

• Development and Independence:

  • Growth: Settlements in Rhode Island were initially scattered and composed of those who had been rejected elsewhere.

  • Charter: In 1644, Rhode Island secured a charter from Parliament, granting it legal status. This followed its founding as a squatter colony in 1636.

  • Symbol of Independence: Rhode Island’s independent spirit is symbolized by the bronze statue of the “Independent Man” on the statehouse dome in Providence.

NEW ENGLAND SPREADS OUT

Connecticut Settlements:

• Hartford: Founded in 1635, attracting Dutch and English settlers.

• Thomas Hooker: In 1636, led a group of Boston Puritans to the Hartford area, including his ill wife on a horse litter.

• Fundamental Orders: Drafted in 1639 by the settlers of the Connecticut River colony. This document was a pioneering modern constitution that established a regime democratically controlled by the "substantial" citizens. Its essential features later influenced Connecticut’s colonial charter and state constitution.

New Haven:

• Founding: Established in 1638 by Puritans aiming for a close church-government alliance.

• Merger: In 1662, New Haven was merged with Connecticut under a royal charter, displeasing the New Haven settlers who had sheltered judges involved in the execution of King Charles I.

• Maine:

  • Early Attempts: Sir Ferdinando Gorges attempted colonization in 1623, but these efforts failed.

  • Incorporation: In 1677, Maine was formally purchased by Massachusetts Bay and remained part of Massachusetts until it became a separate state in 1820.

• New Hampshire:

  • Early Activities: Developed from fishing and trading along its coast.

  • Absorption by Massachusetts: In 1641, New Hampshire was absorbed by Massachusetts Bay under a broad interpretation of its charter.

  • Royal Colony: In 1679, the king separated New Hampshire from Massachusetts and made it a royal colony, displeased by Massachusetts’s overreach.

  • Impact on Native Populations:

    • Pre-Pilgrim Epidemic: Shortly before the Pilgrims arrived in 1620, an epidemic—likely introduced by English fishermen—killed over three-quarters of the coastal tribes.

    • Deserted Lands: The Plymouth settlers found abandoned Indian fields and bones, indicating the impact of the disease.

  • Initial Relations with Wampanoag:

    • Friendly Beginnings: The Wampanoag, led by chieftain Massasoit, initially welcomed the Pilgrims.

    • Squanto: Squanto, a Wampanoag who had learned English from an earlier kidnapping, helped the settlers by facilitating communication.

    • 1621 Treaty: Massasoit signed a treaty with the Plymouth Pilgrims, aiding them in celebrating the first Thanksgiving after the 1621 harvest.

  • Hostilities and King Philip's War:

    • Pequot War (1637): Tensions erupted in 1637 when English settlers and their Narragansett allies attacked the Pequot tribe at Mystic River, leading to a massacre.

    • King Philip's War (1675-1676): Metacom, also known as King Philip, led a coalition of tribes in a series of coordinated attacks against English settlements.

      • Devastation: During the war, fifty-two Puritan towns were attacked and twelve were completely destroyed. The conflict resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

      • Outcome: Metacom’s wife and son were sold into slavery. Metacom himself was captured, executed, and his head was displayed in Plymouth for years.

  • Aftermath:

    • Impact on Native Americans: The war greatly weakened and dispersed the Native American populations in New England. The diminished and demoralized tribes became minor threats to the English settlers.

SEEDS OF COLONIAL UNITY AND INDEPENDECE

• Formation (1643): The New England Confederation was established on May 19, 1643. It consisted of four colonies:

  • Massachusetts Bay

  • Plymouth

  • New Haven

  • Connecticut Valley settlements

• The confederation aimed to provide mutual defense against threats such as Native American tribes, the French, and the Dutch. It also addressed issues such as runaway servants and criminals moving between colonies. Each member colony, regardless of size, had two votes.

• Exclusion: Rhode Island and Maine were excluded from the confederation. Rhode Island was excluded for its perceived heretical views and independent character, while Maine's settlement issues and local governance were viewed unfavorably.

• Significance: The confederation was the first notable attempt at intercolonial cooperation and a step towards greater unity among the English colonies in North America. It provided early experience in collective decision-making and governance.

• Restoration of Charles II (1660): Charles II was restored to the throne on May 29, 1660, marking the end of the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period. This restoration led to increased royal control over the American colonies.

• Charter Grants:

  • Connecticut (1662): In January 1662, Charles II granted Connecticut a new charter that extended its boundaries from the sea to the sea, effectively legalizing the settlements in the Connecticut River Valley that had previously been considered squatter claims.

  • Rhode Island (1663): In July 1663, Rhode Island received a new royal charter that formally sanctioned its highly tolerant government and practices, including religious freedom.

• Massachusetts Bay (1684): On October 23, 1684, the charter of Massachusetts Bay was revoked by the English Crown. This revocation was a significant setback for the colony and marked the beginning of increased royal control and intervention in colonial affairs.

• Pequot War (1636–1638):

  • Key Figures: The conflict was primarily between the Pequot tribe and English settlers from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plymouth Colony, and their allies, including the Narragansett tribe.

  • Event: In May 1637, English militiamen and Narragansett allies attacked a Pequot village at Mystic River, burning it down and killing many Pequot men, women, and children. The defeat was devastating for the Pequot tribe, leading to the near annihilation of their people and significant displacement.

• King Philip's War (1675–1676):

  • Key Figures: Metacom, known as King Philip by the English, led the Wampanoag tribe and other Native American groups against the English settlers.

  • Conflict: The war began in June 1675 and was marked by a series of coordinated attacks on English settlements. The conflict was particularly brutal, with frontier towns suffering severe losses.

  • Outcome: The war ended in August 1676 with the capture and execution of King Philip. The war had devastating effects on both the Native American populations and the English settlers, leading to a drastic reduction in the strength of Native American resistance in New England.

ANDROS PROMOTES THE FIRST AMERICAN REVOLUTION

• 1686: Creation of the Dominion of New England, combining all New England colonies under royal authority. Expanded in 1688 to include New York and East and West Jersey.

• Sir Edmund Andros appointed as the head of the Dominion, based in Boston. Implemented policies such as curbing town meetings, restricting the courts, press, and schools, revoking land titles, and enforcing the Navigation Laws.

• 1688–1689: The Glorious Revolution in England results in the deposition of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II.

• News of the Glorious Revolution reaches America, leading to the collapse of the Dominion. In 1689, a Boston mob overthrows Andros, who attempts to flee in women’s clothing but is captured and sent back to England.

• 1691: Massachusetts is granted a new royal charter, transforming it into a royal colony with a new governor. Voting rights are extended to all qualified male property holders, not just church members.

• The Glorious Revolution inspires unrest in other colonies, including New York and Maryland, until new royal governors restore order.

• The new monarchs relax enforcement of the Navigation Laws, leading to a period of "salutary neglect." The increased presence of English officials, viewed as corrupt and incompetent, heightens colonial resentment.

OLD NETHERLANDERS AT NEW NETHERLAND

• Late 16th Century: The Netherlands, having rebelled against Catholic Spain and gained independence with help from Protestant England, becomes a significant commercial and naval power.

• 17th Century: The Dutch Republic experiences a golden age with major achievements in art, commerce, and naval power. It engages in three Anglo-Dutch naval wars with England.

• Dutch East India Company: A major colonial enterprise in the East Indies, maintaining a powerful fleet and army. Employed English explorer Henry Hudson, who in 1609 navigated the Hudson River, claiming the area for the Dutch.

• Dutch West India Company: Less influential than its East India counterpart but profitable in the Caribbean and the Americas. Captured a Spanish treasure fleet in 1628, with loot worth $15 million. Also established outposts in Africa and a sugar industry in Brazil.

• New Netherland: Established by the Dutch West India Company between 1623–1624. The company’s primary focus was the fur trade. Acquired Manhattan Island from the Native Americans for small trinkets.

• New Amsterdam (later New York City): Founded as a company town under the Dutch West India Company, which controlled the colony for its profit. The colony had a harsh, non-democratic governance with limited religious tolerance.

• Patroonships: Large feudal estates granted to promoters who settled fifty people. One such patroonship in the Albany area was larger than Rhode Island.

• 1640s: New Amsterdam was noted for its cosmopolitan nature, with a French Jesuit missionary recording that eighteen different languages were spoken in the streets.

FRICTION WITH ENGLISH AND SWEDISH NEIGHBORS

• Dutch Colony Challenges: The Dutch colony faced issues from the start. Directors-general, such as Peter Stuyvesant, were often ineffective, and shareholders prioritized profits over the colony's welfare. Native American retaliation to Dutch cruelties led to violent massacres.

• Manhattan Wall: In response to attacks, settlers on Manhattan Island constructed a defensive wall in 1653, giving rise to Wall Street’s name.

• New England Hostility: New England settlers were hostile towards the Dutch. In 1638, the colony of Connecticut expelled Dutch settlers from its valley. Despite three of the four New England Confederation colonies wanting to eliminate New Netherland militarily, Massachusetts, which would have provided most of the troops, vetoed the plan.

• Swedish Incursion: The Swedes established the colony of New Sweden on the Delaware River from 1638 to 1655. This period coincided with Sweden's golden age during and after the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus was a notable figure during this period.

• Dutch Response to Swedish Incursion: The Dutch, resenting the Swedish presence, dispatched a military expedition in 1655 led by Peter Stuyvesant, known as “Father Wooden Leg” due to a previous injury. After a bloodless siege, Swedish rule ended, and New Sweden was absorbed by New Netherland.

• Legacy of New Sweden: Although New Sweden was short-lived, it left behind Swedish place names, log cabins (the first in America), and Swedish heritage in later Delaware.

DUTCH RESIDES IN NEW YORK

• Dutch Decline and English Takeover:

  • 1664: Charles II granted the territory of New Netherland to his brother, the Duke of York. An English squadron, commanded by Colonel Richard Nicolls, appeared off New Amsterdam’s defenses. Peter Stuyvesant, the Director-General of New Netherland, was forced to surrender without firing a shot.

• English Seizure:

  • 1664: New Amsterdam was renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York. The English takeover provided them with a key harbor and control of the strategically important Hudson River, which facilitated further expansion into the continent.

• Strategic Importance:

  • The acquisition of New York enabled England to solidify its dominance from Maine to the Carolinas, removing a significant Dutch presence and establishing a continuous stretch of English territory along the eastern seaboard.

• Post-Conquest New York:

  • The province retained many Dutch characteristics. Autocratic governance persisted, and influential landowning families like the Livingstons and De Lanceys held disproportionate power, affecting colonial policies and immigration.

• Dutch Legacy:

  • Dutch influence remained evident in place names such as Harlem (from Haarlem), Brooklyn (from Breuckelen), and Hell Gate (from Hellegat).

  • Dutch contributions to culture included architectural styles like gambrel roofs and customs such as Easter eggs, Santa Claus, waffles, sauerkraut, bowling, sleighing, skating, and kolf (early golf).

PENN’S HOLY EXPERIMENT IN PENNSYLVANIA

• Quakers' Origins and Beliefs:

  • Mid-1600s: A group of dissenters known as Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, emerged in England. They were named for their practice of "quaking" during intense religious emotions.

  • Quakers were known for their refusal to support the Church of England financially, their practice of addressing each other with “thee” and “thou,” and their refusal to swear oaths, as Jesus had commanded, “Swear not at all.” They were also noted for their rejection of military service and their commitment to passive resistance.

• William Penn:

  • 1660: William Penn, then just sixteen, was introduced to the Quaker faith. Despite his father’s disapproval and harsh punishment, Penn remained devoted to the Quaker principles.

  • 1681: Penn secured an enormous land grant from King Charles II, intended to repay a debt owed to his deceased father. The land was named Pennsylvania ("Penn’s Woodland") in honor of his father.

• Pennsylvania's Establishment and Promotion:

  • Pennsylvania was well-advertised by its founder. Penn sent out paid agents and distributed pamphlets in multiple languages including English, Dutch, French, and German.

  • Penn's land policies were notably liberal, encouraging substantial land holdings and attracting a diverse group of settlers, including craftsmen and manual workers. This contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and the colony's growth.

QUAKER PENNSYLVANIA AND ITS NEIGHBORS

• 1660: William Penn, a young Englishman, converts to the Quaker faith and faces persecution from authorities for his beliefs.

• 1681: William Penn receives a land grant from King Charles II, which he names Pennsylvania ("Penn's Woodland") to honor his deceased father. Penn’s goal was to establish a sanctuary for Quakers and experiment with liberal governance.

• 1681: Pennsylvania is formally launched, with Philadelphia—meaning "brotherly love" in Greek—founded and carefully planned with wide streets.

• 1681: Penn buys land from Native Americans, including from Chief Tammany. His fair treatment leads to peaceful relations, although this changes as non-Quaker immigrants arrive.

• Late 1600s: Quaker policies towards Native Americans face challenges as Scots-Irish and other non-Quaker settlers undermine the Quaker's benevolent stance.

• 1681-1700: Pennsylvania’s government features a representative assembly, freedom of worship (excluding Catholics and Jews from holding office), and a legal system with capital punishment limited to treason and murder. The colony promotes easy immigration and naturalization.

• 1700: Pennsylvania grows rapidly, becoming the third most populous and wealthy colony in America, surpassed only by Virginia and Massachusetts.

William Penn: Despite his efforts, he faces difficulties including arrest for treason, imprisonment, and a paralytic stroke. He dies with his reputation marred by his controversial connections and challenges with colony governance.

• 1664: New Jersey is established when the Duke of York grants the area to two noble proprietors. The colony attracts many New Englanders, and Quakers later acquire West New Jersey in 1674. East New Jersey is also acquired by Quakers.

• 1702: The crown unites East and West New Jersey into a single royal colony.

• Early 1700s: Delaware, influenced by Swedish settlers and named after Lord De La Warr, is closely tied to Pennsylvania. It gains its own assembly in 1703 but remains under Pennsylvania's governor until the American Revolution.

THE MIDDLE WAY IN THE MIDDLE COLONIES

• Early Middle Colonies:

  • New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania: Known as the "bread colonies" for their fertile soil and significant grain exports.

• Key Rivers:

  • Susquehanna, Delaware, Hudson: Vital for fur trade and settlement. These rivers had few waterfalls, limiting water-powered industries.

• Industry and Commerce:

  • Despite limited water-power opportunities, the middle colonies developed industries. Abundant virgin forests supported:

    • Lumbering and Shipbuilding: Key to the economy.

    • Seaports: Notable cities included New York and Philadelphia. Albany also became an important port.

• Land and Government:

  • Landholdings were intermediate in size. The middle colonies had a mix of local government systems:

    • Larger than in New England but smaller than in the South.

    • Local government was a blend of New England's town meetings and the South's county governance.

• Demographics and Tolerance:

  • The population was ethnically diverse and known for religious tolerance.

  • Quakers: Significant contributors to human freedom, particularly in Pennsylvania.

• Benjamin Franklin:

  • Born in Boston: Moved to Philadelphia in 1720 at age 17. Philadelphia was then North America's largest city.

  • Franklin: Symbol of the thriving American colonies, his arrival marked the beginning of his influential career.

• Colonial Growth:

  • By Franklin's time, the American colonies were experiencing:

    • Robust Population Growth.

    • Improving transportation and communication.

    • Increased local governance and intercolonial trade networks.

    • British hands-off approach allowed for local development and a sense of thriving rather than mere survival.