The Puritans and the
Massachusetts Bay Colony
In 1630 another group left England in search of religious freedom. This group was called the Puritans. The Puritans wanted to leave the Church of England to become pure by getting rid of Catholic practices. The Puritans did not want to separate entirely from the Church of England; they wanted to make reforms or changes. King Charles I would threaten the Puritans with harsh punishments if they did not obey the Church of England; therefore, they sought freedom in America.
The Puritans received a charter from the Massachusetts Bay Company to settle land in New England. John Winthrop led approximately 1,000 Puritans to America and established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The colonists wanted to base the colony on the laws of God. They believed that God would protect them if they obeyed his laws. Winthrop wanted to make this colony a model for all other colonies to follow. Like the other colonies, the Massachusetts Bay Colony established a government. All men who were church members were able to vote for governor and for representatives to the General Court. The General Court would then make laws for the good of the colony.
Note Questions:
1. Why did the Puritans leave England?
2. Describe the government of the Puritans.
Summary:
Summarize the events, people and hardships of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies using the language of a historian.
Massachusetts Bay Colony
In 1630 another group left England in search of religious freedom. This group was called the Puritans. The Puritans wanted to leave the Church of England to become pure by getting rid of Catholic practices. The Puritans did not want to separate entirely from the Church of England; they wanted to make reforms or changes. King Charles I would threaten the Puritans with harsh punishments if they did not obey the Church of England; therefore, they sought freedom in America.
The Puritans received a charter from the Massachusetts Bay Company to settle land in New England. John Winthrop led approximately 1,000 Puritans to America and established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The colonists wanted to base the colony on the laws of God. They believed that God would protect them if they obeyed his laws. Winthrop wanted to make this colony a model for all other colonies to follow. Like the other colonies, the Massachusetts Bay Colony established a government. All men who were church members were able to vote for governor and for representatives to the General Court. The General Court would then make laws for the good of the colony.
Note Questions:
1. Why did the Puritans leave England?
2. Describe the government of the Puritans.
Summary:
Summarize the events, people and hardships of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies using the language of a historian.