The PILGRIMs and PURITANs The First two groups in the Northern Colonies

Where did the Pilgrims Come From? The Pilgrims originated in England, but had moved to the Netherlands to practice their religion freely. Pilgrims would take a ship called the Mayflower and depart on their journey three separate times (each time there were issues). Finally left Plymouth, England.

What was the Motivation for settlement for the Pilgrims… The Pilgrims were known as Separatists. They wanted to “Separate” from the church of England because they believed it was too corrupt and close to the Catholic Church. There was a law against people of England practicing any religion other than that of the Church of England. They fled to Holland and eventually to North America to avoid persecution and practice their religion freely.

Where did they go… They had been granted a Charter by the King Charles to settle in the Northern Regions of Virginia. They had hoped to settle along the Hudson River, which they had heard was a great place from their time in the Netherlands. Strong winds, and bad storms blew them off course and they eventually landed in present day Cape Cod. They would create their establishment here called Plymouth Rock (named after where they left England from).

What was life like for them… It was very difficult for them in their new settlement. A terrible winter hit the settlement of Plymouth Rock and most of the settlers died from starvation and sickness. Because of the cold climate, they had no knowledge of how to grow crops in the region. William Bradford (appointed their governor) knew they had to do something in order to survive. They would be saved because…

Native Americans The local Native Americans began to show them how to grow crops in the region. A Native American named Squanto was used as an interpreter between the tribe and the settlers. Squanto got the local tribes and the Pilgrims to sign a peace treaty that lasted for 50 years. After the first successful harvest, the “First Thanksgiving” was held between the settlers and the Natives.

Their Government… Since their ship had been blown off course, their charter they had been given was no longer valid. They created the Mayflower Compact. An agreement made by the colonists to follow the laws that they passed for the better of the colony. This would be the first form of self government in North America.

Now the Puritans The Puritans also originated in England, but did not flee to the Netherlands. The Puritans would journey from England aboard 12 ships in 1630 across the Atlantic Ocean. They were led by their leader, a lawyer named John Winthrop.

Puritan Motivations The Puritans, like the Pilgrims, wanted to practice their religion freely. They were persecuted against back in England. They were not the same as the Pilgrims because the Pilgrims wanted to separate from the Church, were as the Puritans wanted to “Purify” or bring changes to the Church of England. They believed that the whole world would watch them and change their accustoms if they followed their faith correctly.

Where did they go… The Puritans would receive funds for their settlement from the Massachusetts Bay Company. The Company would actually move itself to the New World with the Puritans. They landed in present day Massachusetts and established the city of Boston.

What was Life like… Their Colony prospered well in Massachusetts. They became a leader in the export of lumber for ship building and developed a great industry in fishing. They were also very devote in their religion. All people in the community had to do as the church wished. Because of this they were not very tolerant to other groups of people in their colony including…

Native Americans The Puritans believed they should try to convert the Natives to their religion, but the Natives were not ok with this because they would have to give up their beliefs and traditions. The Puritans also desired to take as much land for themselves as possible. This led to a lot of conflict with Natives over land. The Pequot War and King Phillips War led to the victory of the Puritans and removing many Natives from the region.

Their Government The Puritans used a Theocracy as the basis of their government. One religion controls all parts of the government. Laws are based on religious teachings. They would hold local town meetings were all the church members would attend and make decisions for the community. All people had to follow the rules established or they would be forced out of the community.

Women and Children in Both Societies Women and Children had a very tough life in both societies. Women Could not participate in government meetings Could not own businesses Had to be servants to their husbands Children Had to obey all rules established for them. Their job was to learn the bible and its teachings Children were taught to read and write, but this was for them to understand the teachings in the Bible.