The New England Colonies Topic 16 Based on Chapter 3, Section 2

The New England Colonies Massachusetts New Hampshire Connecticut Rhode Island

The New England Colonies The Big Idea: English Colonists traveled to New England to gain religious freedom. Main Ideas: 1. The Pilgrims and Puritans came to America to avoid religious persecution. 2. Religion and government were closely linked in the New England Colonies. 3. The New England economy was based on trade and farming. 4. Education was important to the New England Colonies.

The Pilgrims and Puritans Pilgrims came to avoid religious persecution. Wanted to purify the Anglican Church in England. Thought bishops and priests had too much power. Puritans were extreme protesters who broke away from Anglican church completely. Called Separatists. Went to Netherlands first, then America. Worried that their children would become Dutch and forget their English heritage.

Pilgrims Set sail on the Mayflower September 1620, a group sets sail. Not all were pilgrims. Reach land much farther north than Virginia and established Plymouth Colony (where the expected to land). Established their own basic laws – Called the Mayflower Compact.

Getting along with the natives First winter was VERY harsh. Nearly half of the pilgrims died! Samoset, a native, visited the settlement and introduced them to Squanto. Squanto helped the settlers work with the Wampanoag Indians. Pilgrims learned how to farm in this region. Celebrated with first Thanksgiving.

The Pilgrim Community in Plymouth Many families of colonists. All people in the family had different roles. Pilgrim women had more rights than women in England, including the right to own land as a widow.

Puritans establish the Massachusetts Bay Colony Being persecuted (picked on) by King Charles I. Left England because of increased taxes, few jobs and punishments. 1629-1640 Great Migration of English to New World (about 40,000 people!) Puritans thought it was their job to build an ideal Christian Community here.

Religion and Government Closely linked in New England. By 1691, the two colonies (Plymouth (Pilgrims) & Massachusetts Bay: (Puritans) were combined. Government leaders had to be church members. Ministers had lots of power. Only male church members could vote. Salem Witchcraft Trials occur in 1690s – 19 people killed. Religious Tolerance RallyCoach (click image)

Connecticut is formed Thomas Hooker left Massachusetts because he thought Religion was too prominent in Government. Established Connecticut with less religious focus in the government.

Providence, Rhode Island Minister Roger Williams was kicked out of Massachusetts because he didn’t agree with the Puritans. Heads south and establishes new Colony (RI). Focused on separating church and state and religious tolerance. Anne Hutchinson was also forced out and eventually her followers joined Williams.

New England economy was based on Trade and Farming Soil and Climate not suited for cash crops. Farming limited to family and local use. Slavery not as prominent. Traded beef, pork, furs, fish, and whale oil with locals, other colonies and overseas. Shipbuilding became very important.

Learning a Skill Families sent male children to apprentice and learn trades such as: Blacksmithing Shipbuilding weaving Printing Carpentry They become master tradesmen.

Education in New England Colonies Very important to the New England Colonies Be able to read the bible. Established town schools whenever town had over 50 families. Made primary education mandatory. First college established was Harvard to educate ministers. By 1700, about 70% of men and nearly 50% of women could read and write in New England.