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puritan test

Early Settlers Fight For Freedom → Video

  • Businessmen and true believers - Jamestown

    • John Raulf - english farmer 

      • Arrived with tobacco seeds - revenue

      • When arrived at Jamestown, he found “hell on earth”

        • Native Americans - powhatan 

          • John Raulf marries leader’s daughter - pocahontas 

      • The starving time

    • 7/10 travelers dead within a year once arrived 

    • Traveling to land of opportunities 

      • Land 

      • Gems, silver, gold

    • English arrive unprepared for New England 

      • Unwilling to perform manual labor

      • Instead of livestock, they brought chemical tests for gold - which they never find

    • 12 years after jamestown started - slaves started coming over 

    • Tobacco = largest export 

  • Mayflower

    • 10 years after John R arrives, another group of English settlers come - Plymouth

    • religious descendants w faith at center of their lives

    • Seeking religious freedom

    • Arrive in mini ice age - winters are longer & growing seasons shorter

      • Bad for food supplies

    • Native Americans (Pokanoket) make peace with pilgrims

      • Teach settlers how to grow crops on sandy land - fish for fertilizer

        • They want something in return

          • Want english to take out rival tribe

            • Their victory is celebrated with a feast (thanksgiving)

    • Puritans average 8 kids and are twice as likely to survive to adulthood - 20% richer and pay only a quarter of the taxes of the taxes they used to pay in england 

      • Still have british identity but generation by generation, become more distant from roots

Calvinism

  • Humans are naturally rebellious against god

  • All is predestined

  • When adam and eve ate apple, it enslaved all men, but god is forgiving and leads us to salvation

  • Once someone is saved they will not return to sin 

  • Do not question the will of god 

  • Influenced by protestant reformation/Martin Luther

Mayflower Compact 

  • Agreement between settlers of plymouth

  • First governing document

  • Pledge of loyalty to the king

    • “Were doing our own thing but were still loyal and not making a new country don't worry”

John Winthrop → Video

  • Lawyer

  • First governor of MA bay company - elected

  • Charter of MA bay company doesn’t say where meeting will take place

    • Aware that England has revoked other colonies charters - to avoid this he doesn’t say where meeting will be

  • Opens meeting - commonwealth

    • Creates democratic system - transition to functioning government

      • Political system out of corporate system

        • Local self government- ministers meet together to decide what course province should take 

Salem Witch Trials → Video

  • 1620 - mayflower arrives

  • 1994 - businesses allowed to open on sundays

  • King william 

  • “Glorious revolution” - king replaced 

  • Increase Mather - puritan reverend, wrote a book on witchcraft 

    • Well known people in community

  • Residents of salem village didn’t like each other/town

  • Salem village wanted to be separate from salem town 

  • 3 first accused - tituba, sarah good, sarah osborne

  • More accused: dorothy good, martha corey, rebecca nurse, 

  • Tituba confessed to save her life

  • Sarah good, martha corey, giles - killed

  • The court of Oyer and Terminer- to hear and determine

  • Giles - “more weight” - died to maintain his estate

  • 19 people executed & 5 died in prison

  • Ergot poisoning? - LSD (theory)

A Model of Christian Charity

  • Winthrop emphasizes the importance of love, charity, and unity as the foundation of their new society. He argues that God has created social and economic differences to test individuals’ ability to show compassion and fulfill their Christian duties. The settlers must care for one another selflessly, sharing resources and supporting the community’s collective good. Winthrop introduces the idea of the colony as a “city upon a hill,” a model society watched by the world and God. The Puritans have a covenant with God to live justly and uphold His laws; failure to do so will result in divine judgment. He calls for humility, mutual support, and a commitment to God’s will, framing the success of the settlement as dependent on their faith and moral integrity. The sermon serves as a moral framework for the Puritans, emphasizing collective responsibility, social harmony, and their role as an example of Christian virtue.

  • The Importance of Charity and Love

    • Winthrop stresses the need for love and mutual support among members of the community. He frames charity as a fundamental Christian duty, encouraging settlers to help each other in times of need.

  • Unity and Interdependence

    • The community is compared to a body where every part is essential and must work together for the whole to function. Social and economic inequalities are part of God’s plan to create opportunities for acts of mercy and charity, fostering interdependence.

  • The Covenant with God

    • The settlers are entering into a covenant with God to establish a holy society. Their success or failure depends on their obedience to God’s will and their adherence to moral laws.

  • “City Upon a Hill”

    • Winthrop declares that the colony will be a “city upon a hill,” serving as a model of Christian virtue for the rest of the world to emulate. The Puritans’ actions will be closely watched by both God and humanity, so they must live righteously to avoid shame or divine punishment.

  • Moral Obligations and Sacrifice

    • Individual interests must be subordinated to the good of the community. Sacrifice and selflessness are essential for maintaining harmony and fulfilling their covenant.

  • Consequences of Failure

    • If the settlers fail to uphold their covenant or descend into selfishness and disobedience, they risk God’s wrath and the failure of their mission. Winthrop’s sermon lays the moral and theological foundation for the Puritans’ vision of a collective, godly society, emphasizing unity, shared responsibility, and the high stakes of their endeavor. It reflects the Puritan belief in community, obedience, and their divine purpose in the New World.

God’s Promise to His Plantation

  • Cotton argues that the Puritans are a chosen people, like the Israelites of the Old Testament, sent by God to establish a holy community in the New World. He presents the land as a divine gift and emphasizes the importance of living righteously and faithfully to maintain God’s favor. The sermon assures the settlers that God will bless their mission if they obey His commandments and create a godly society. At the same time, Cotton warns that disobedience and complacency will lead to divine judgment and failure. Overall, the sermon serves to inspire courage and commitment among the settlers by portraying their endeavor as a covenantal obligation and part of God’s greater plan for a Christian world.

  • Covenantal Theology

    • Cotton argues that the settlers are part of a divine covenant, chosen by God to establish a “plantation” (settlement) that will glorify Him.The success of their mission depends on their faithfulness to God’s laws. He equates the Puritans’ journey to the biblical Exodus, portraying the settlers as a modern Israel entering a Promised Land.

  • Divine Approval of the New World Settlement

    • Cotton interprets the settlement of the New World as God’s will. He suggests that the indigenous people’s displacement is part of God’s divine plan, likening it to God clearing the way for Israel in the Old Testament.

  • Moral Responsibility and Obedience

    • Cotton emphasizes the moral obligations of the settlers to live righteously and to establish a godly community. Failure to follow God’s commandments would result in divine judgment and failure of their endeavor.

  • The Land as a Gift from God

    • The sermon frames the land of America as a divine gift, entrusted to the Puritans for their righteous use. Cotton implies that this gift requires stewardship and the establishment of a Christian society.

  • Manifest Destiny and Justification of Colonialism

    • While the term “manifest destiny” came later, Cotton’s arguments laid the theological groundwork for such ideas. He rationalizes colonization by suggesting that the Puritans are fulfilling a divine mission to bring Christianity to a “desolate wilderness.”

  • Warnings Against Complacency

    • Cotton warns that if the settlers grow prideful or neglect their covenant with God, they risk punishment and the failure of their plantation. He underscores the importance of humility, faith, and collective effort in fulfilling their divine purpose.

  • Encouragement and Assurance

    • Despite the hardships of settlement, Cotton provides assurance that God’s promises will sustain them as long as they remain faithful. The sermon serves to inspire courage and unity among the settlers as they embark on a perilous journey.x

Sarah Vowel → Audio

  • In her NPR interview titled “Sarah Vowell Finds Humor in Puritan History,” author Sarah Vowell discusses her book The Wordy Shipmates, which explores the history of the Puritans who settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Vowell challenges the common perception of Puritans as stern and humorless, highlighting their complex personalities and the lively nature of their community. She delves into their theological debates, societal structures, and the cultural legacy they left behind. By examining figures like John Winthrop and Roger Williams, Vowell illustrates how the Puritans’ ideas and conflicts have influenced American identity and values. Her approach combines historical analysis with wit, making the subject accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences. 

The Crucible 

  • Act I

    • Reverend Parris is worried about his daughter Betty, who is mysteriously unresponsive after being found dancing in the forest with other girls, including his niece, Abigail Williams.

    • Rumors of witchcraft spread as the townspeople grow suspicious.

    • Abigail denies witchcraft but admits they danced. She threatens the other girls to keep quiet about their activities, which included a charm to curse Elizabeth Proctor.

    • Tensions escalate when Reverend Hale, an expert on witchcraft, arrives to investigate.

    • Betty suddenly screams, and Abigail shifts blame onto Tituba, Parris’s slave, accusing her of consorting with the devil.

    • Under pressure, Tituba confesses and accuses others in the town of witchcraft. The other girls, led by Abigail, join in, naming individuals as witches.

  • Act 2

    • John and Elizabeth Proctor discuss the growing hysteria. Elizabeth urges John to expose Abigail’s lies, but he hesitates, as he had an affair with Abigail and fears damaging his reputation.

    • Tensions between the Proctors deepen due to Elizabeth’s mistrust of John.

    • Mary Warren, their servant and part of Abigail’s group, brings news that the court has arrested many, including Elizabeth, based on accusations of witchcraft.

    • Elizabeth is arrested after Abigail plants evidence (a poppet with a needle) to frame her for using witchcraft.

    • Proctor vows to confront the court and reveal Abigail’s deceit, even if it means admitting his own sins.

  • Act 3

    • Proctor, Mary Warren, and others confront the court, led by Judge Danforth and Reverend Hale.

    • Proctor presents evidence to prove the girls are lying. Mary testifies that the accusations are false, but Abigail manipulates the court by feigning spiritual attacks.

    • In a desperate attempt to discredit Abigail, Proctor confesses to his affair with her, calling her motives into question. He says Abigail wants Elizabeth dead to take her place as his wife.

    • To test Proctor’s claim, the court summons Elizabeth, who denies the affair to protect John’s name, unwittingly condemning him.

    • Abigail and the other girls turn on Mary, accusing her of witchcraft. In fear, Mary recants her testimony and accuses Proctor of being aligned with the devil.

    • Proctor is arrested, and Reverend Hale begins to doubt the court’s actions.

  • Act 4

    • The witch trials have led to widespread unrest and the execution of several townspeople.

    • Reverend Hale, now regretful, urges the accused to confess to save their lives, though he knows the confessions are false.

    • Elizabeth visits John in jail, and they share a tender moment. John grapples with whether to falsely confess to witchcraft to save his life or maintain his integrity and face execution.

    • Ultimately, Proctor chooses to preserve his name and honor, tearing up his confession despite Elizabeth’s plea. He is taken to be hanged.

    • The play ends with Proctor walking to his death, leaving Elizabeth and the audience with a sense of his moral redemption.

Have You No Sense of Decency?

  • Context:

    • Senator Joseph McCarthy led aggressive investigations into alleged communist activities in the U.S. government and other institutions.

    • His tactics were characterized by baseless accusations, fear-mongering, and public shaming, which destroyed many reputations and lives.

    • The hearings investigated whether McCarthy had improperly sought preferential treatment for a staff member in the Army.

  • The Confrontation:

    • During a heated exchange, McCarthy accused a young lawyer from Welch’s law firm of being associated with a communist organization years earlier.

    • Welch, visibly frustrated, rebuked McCarthy with the famous line: “Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”

    • Welch’s remark exposed McCarthy’s tactics as mean-spirited and unfair, leading to applause from the audience and a turning point in public sentiment.

  • Aftermath:

    • This moment discredited McCarthy and marked the beginning of his political downfall.

    • The hearings concluded with McCarthy censured by the Senate later that year.

    • The confrontation remains a symbol of standing up against abusive power and defending fairness and justice.

    • This moment is often cited as a turning point in American history, reflecting the dangers of fear-driven politics and the importance of accountability in public life.

Group Study Questions

Order of Dates (Class Minutes)

  • 1620: Mayflower compact signed, first Pilgrims arrive

  • 1630: Cotton and Winthrop give their speeches to next group of pilgrims

  • 1636: Harvard founded as theocracy

  • 1640s-60s: Newer generations feel less extreme about Catholic church, kings

  • 1690s: Salem Witch trials, new attitudes & more progressive youth rebel



puritan test

Early Settlers Fight For Freedom → Video

  • Businessmen and true believers - Jamestown

    • John Raulf - english farmer 

      • Arrived with tobacco seeds - revenue

      • When arrived at Jamestown, he found “hell on earth”

        • Native Americans - powhatan 

          • John Raulf marries leader’s daughter - pocahontas 

      • The starving time

    • 7/10 travelers dead within a year once arrived 

    • Traveling to land of opportunities 

      • Land 

      • Gems, silver, gold

    • English arrive unprepared for New England 

      • Unwilling to perform manual labor

      • Instead of livestock, they brought chemical tests for gold - which they never find

    • 12 years after jamestown started - slaves started coming over 

    • Tobacco = largest export 

  • Mayflower

    • 10 years after John R arrives, another group of English settlers come - Plymouth

    • religious descendants w faith at center of their lives

    • Seeking religious freedom

    • Arrive in mini ice age - winters are longer & growing seasons shorter

      • Bad for food supplies

    • Native Americans (Pokanoket) make peace with pilgrims

      • Teach settlers how to grow crops on sandy land - fish for fertilizer

        • They want something in return

          • Want english to take out rival tribe

            • Their victory is celebrated with a feast (thanksgiving)

    • Puritans average 8 kids and are twice as likely to survive to adulthood - 20% richer and pay only a quarter of the taxes of the taxes they used to pay in england 

      • Still have british identity but generation by generation, become more distant from roots

Calvinism

  • Humans are naturally rebellious against god

  • All is predestined

  • When adam and eve ate apple, it enslaved all men, but god is forgiving and leads us to salvation

  • Once someone is saved they will not return to sin 

  • Do not question the will of god 

  • Influenced by protestant reformation/Martin Luther

Mayflower Compact 

  • Agreement between settlers of plymouth

  • First governing document

  • Pledge of loyalty to the king

    • “Were doing our own thing but were still loyal and not making a new country don't worry”

John Winthrop → Video

  • Lawyer

  • First governor of MA bay company - elected

  • Charter of MA bay company doesn’t say where meeting will take place

    • Aware that England has revoked other colonies charters - to avoid this he doesn’t say where meeting will be

  • Opens meeting - commonwealth

    • Creates democratic system - transition to functioning government

      • Political system out of corporate system

        • Local self government- ministers meet together to decide what course province should take 

Salem Witch Trials → Video

  • 1620 - mayflower arrives

  • 1994 - businesses allowed to open on sundays

  • King william 

  • “Glorious revolution” - king replaced 

  • Increase Mather - puritan reverend, wrote a book on witchcraft 

    • Well known people in community

  • Residents of salem village didn’t like each other/town

  • Salem village wanted to be separate from salem town 

  • 3 first accused - tituba, sarah good, sarah osborne

  • More accused: dorothy good, martha corey, rebecca nurse, 

  • Tituba confessed to save her life

  • Sarah good, martha corey, giles - killed

  • The court of Oyer and Terminer- to hear and determine

  • Giles - “more weight” - died to maintain his estate

  • 19 people executed & 5 died in prison

  • Ergot poisoning? - LSD (theory)

A Model of Christian Charity

  • Winthrop emphasizes the importance of love, charity, and unity as the foundation of their new society. He argues that God has created social and economic differences to test individuals’ ability to show compassion and fulfill their Christian duties. The settlers must care for one another selflessly, sharing resources and supporting the community’s collective good. Winthrop introduces the idea of the colony as a “city upon a hill,” a model society watched by the world and God. The Puritans have a covenant with God to live justly and uphold His laws; failure to do so will result in divine judgment. He calls for humility, mutual support, and a commitment to God’s will, framing the success of the settlement as dependent on their faith and moral integrity. The sermon serves as a moral framework for the Puritans, emphasizing collective responsibility, social harmony, and their role as an example of Christian virtue.

  • The Importance of Charity and Love

    • Winthrop stresses the need for love and mutual support among members of the community. He frames charity as a fundamental Christian duty, encouraging settlers to help each other in times of need.

  • Unity and Interdependence

    • The community is compared to a body where every part is essential and must work together for the whole to function. Social and economic inequalities are part of God’s plan to create opportunities for acts of mercy and charity, fostering interdependence.

  • The Covenant with God

    • The settlers are entering into a covenant with God to establish a holy society. Their success or failure depends on their obedience to God’s will and their adherence to moral laws.

  • “City Upon a Hill”

    • Winthrop declares that the colony will be a “city upon a hill,” serving as a model of Christian virtue for the rest of the world to emulate. The Puritans’ actions will be closely watched by both God and humanity, so they must live righteously to avoid shame or divine punishment.

  • Moral Obligations and Sacrifice

    • Individual interests must be subordinated to the good of the community. Sacrifice and selflessness are essential for maintaining harmony and fulfilling their covenant.

  • Consequences of Failure

    • If the settlers fail to uphold their covenant or descend into selfishness and disobedience, they risk God’s wrath and the failure of their mission. Winthrop’s sermon lays the moral and theological foundation for the Puritans’ vision of a collective, godly society, emphasizing unity, shared responsibility, and the high stakes of their endeavor. It reflects the Puritan belief in community, obedience, and their divine purpose in the New World.

God’s Promise to His Plantation

  • Cotton argues that the Puritans are a chosen people, like the Israelites of the Old Testament, sent by God to establish a holy community in the New World. He presents the land as a divine gift and emphasizes the importance of living righteously and faithfully to maintain God’s favor. The sermon assures the settlers that God will bless their mission if they obey His commandments and create a godly society. At the same time, Cotton warns that disobedience and complacency will lead to divine judgment and failure. Overall, the sermon serves to inspire courage and commitment among the settlers by portraying their endeavor as a covenantal obligation and part of God’s greater plan for a Christian world.

  • Covenantal Theology

    • Cotton argues that the settlers are part of a divine covenant, chosen by God to establish a “plantation” (settlement) that will glorify Him.The success of their mission depends on their faithfulness to God’s laws. He equates the Puritans’ journey to the biblical Exodus, portraying the settlers as a modern Israel entering a Promised Land.

  • Divine Approval of the New World Settlement

    • Cotton interprets the settlement of the New World as God’s will. He suggests that the indigenous people’s displacement is part of God’s divine plan, likening it to God clearing the way for Israel in the Old Testament.

  • Moral Responsibility and Obedience

    • Cotton emphasizes the moral obligations of the settlers to live righteously and to establish a godly community. Failure to follow God’s commandments would result in divine judgment and failure of their endeavor.

  • The Land as a Gift from God

    • The sermon frames the land of America as a divine gift, entrusted to the Puritans for their righteous use. Cotton implies that this gift requires stewardship and the establishment of a Christian society.

  • Manifest Destiny and Justification of Colonialism

    • While the term “manifest destiny” came later, Cotton’s arguments laid the theological groundwork for such ideas. He rationalizes colonization by suggesting that the Puritans are fulfilling a divine mission to bring Christianity to a “desolate wilderness.”

  • Warnings Against Complacency

    • Cotton warns that if the settlers grow prideful or neglect their covenant with God, they risk punishment and the failure of their plantation. He underscores the importance of humility, faith, and collective effort in fulfilling their divine purpose.

  • Encouragement and Assurance

    • Despite the hardships of settlement, Cotton provides assurance that God’s promises will sustain them as long as they remain faithful. The sermon serves to inspire courage and unity among the settlers as they embark on a perilous journey.x

Sarah Vowel → Audio

  • In her NPR interview titled “Sarah Vowell Finds Humor in Puritan History,” author Sarah Vowell discusses her book The Wordy Shipmates, which explores the history of the Puritans who settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Vowell challenges the common perception of Puritans as stern and humorless, highlighting their complex personalities and the lively nature of their community. She delves into their theological debates, societal structures, and the cultural legacy they left behind. By examining figures like John Winthrop and Roger Williams, Vowell illustrates how the Puritans’ ideas and conflicts have influenced American identity and values. Her approach combines historical analysis with wit, making the subject accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences. 

The Crucible 

  • Act I

    • Reverend Parris is worried about his daughter Betty, who is mysteriously unresponsive after being found dancing in the forest with other girls, including his niece, Abigail Williams.

    • Rumors of witchcraft spread as the townspeople grow suspicious.

    • Abigail denies witchcraft but admits they danced. She threatens the other girls to keep quiet about their activities, which included a charm to curse Elizabeth Proctor.

    • Tensions escalate when Reverend Hale, an expert on witchcraft, arrives to investigate.

    • Betty suddenly screams, and Abigail shifts blame onto Tituba, Parris’s slave, accusing her of consorting with the devil.

    • Under pressure, Tituba confesses and accuses others in the town of witchcraft. The other girls, led by Abigail, join in, naming individuals as witches.

  • Act 2

    • John and Elizabeth Proctor discuss the growing hysteria. Elizabeth urges John to expose Abigail’s lies, but he hesitates, as he had an affair with Abigail and fears damaging his reputation.

    • Tensions between the Proctors deepen due to Elizabeth’s mistrust of John.

    • Mary Warren, their servant and part of Abigail’s group, brings news that the court has arrested many, including Elizabeth, based on accusations of witchcraft.

    • Elizabeth is arrested after Abigail plants evidence (a poppet with a needle) to frame her for using witchcraft.

    • Proctor vows to confront the court and reveal Abigail’s deceit, even if it means admitting his own sins.

  • Act 3

    • Proctor, Mary Warren, and others confront the court, led by Judge Danforth and Reverend Hale.

    • Proctor presents evidence to prove the girls are lying. Mary testifies that the accusations are false, but Abigail manipulates the court by feigning spiritual attacks.

    • In a desperate attempt to discredit Abigail, Proctor confesses to his affair with her, calling her motives into question. He says Abigail wants Elizabeth dead to take her place as his wife.

    • To test Proctor’s claim, the court summons Elizabeth, who denies the affair to protect John’s name, unwittingly condemning him.

    • Abigail and the other girls turn on Mary, accusing her of witchcraft. In fear, Mary recants her testimony and accuses Proctor of being aligned with the devil.

    • Proctor is arrested, and Reverend Hale begins to doubt the court’s actions.

  • Act 4

    • The witch trials have led to widespread unrest and the execution of several townspeople.

    • Reverend Hale, now regretful, urges the accused to confess to save their lives, though he knows the confessions are false.

    • Elizabeth visits John in jail, and they share a tender moment. John grapples with whether to falsely confess to witchcraft to save his life or maintain his integrity and face execution.

    • Ultimately, Proctor chooses to preserve his name and honor, tearing up his confession despite Elizabeth’s plea. He is taken to be hanged.

    • The play ends with Proctor walking to his death, leaving Elizabeth and the audience with a sense of his moral redemption.

Have You No Sense of Decency?

  • Context:

    • Senator Joseph McCarthy led aggressive investigations into alleged communist activities in the U.S. government and other institutions.

    • His tactics were characterized by baseless accusations, fear-mongering, and public shaming, which destroyed many reputations and lives.

    • The hearings investigated whether McCarthy had improperly sought preferential treatment for a staff member in the Army.

  • The Confrontation:

    • During a heated exchange, McCarthy accused a young lawyer from Welch’s law firm of being associated with a communist organization years earlier.

    • Welch, visibly frustrated, rebuked McCarthy with the famous line: “Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”

    • Welch’s remark exposed McCarthy’s tactics as mean-spirited and unfair, leading to applause from the audience and a turning point in public sentiment.

  • Aftermath:

    • This moment discredited McCarthy and marked the beginning of his political downfall.

    • The hearings concluded with McCarthy censured by the Senate later that year.

    • The confrontation remains a symbol of standing up against abusive power and defending fairness and justice.

    • This moment is often cited as a turning point in American history, reflecting the dangers of fear-driven politics and the importance of accountability in public life.

Group Study Questions

Order of Dates (Class Minutes)

  • 1620: Mayflower compact signed, first Pilgrims arrive

  • 1630: Cotton and Winthrop give their speeches to next group of pilgrims

  • 1636: Harvard founded as theocracy

  • 1640s-60s: Newer generations feel less extreme about Catholic church, kings

  • 1690s: Salem Witch trials, new attitudes & more progressive youth rebel



robot