1. American Literature

2.  In the 1540s there was a push for purification of the church in England.  By the 1570s two groups had emerged:  1) those who had a rationalistic understanding and said the church should be broad and inclusive  2) those who continued to push for purification of the church During the 1570s the conflict between the two groups only grew worse.

3.  Most Puritans decided to stay and continue to work towards reform in the church while others left in the 1620s to set up their own colony at Massachusetts Bay

4.  Most Puritans settled in the New England area.  The number of Puritans grew from 17,800 in 1640 to 106,000 in 1700.  Their common beliefs greatly strengthened the community and helped to lessen the hardships of pioneer life.  Individuals with opposing views were asked to leave the community or to be converted.

5.  Their interpretation of scriptures was a harsh one. They believed in several things:  Original Sin  Eternal Punishment  Salvation Through Grace  Being “Born Again”  Predestination

6.  A Puritan minister who preached the beliefs of the Puritan people  His sermons were elegant, logical and put fear of eternal damnation into those who listened.  These sermons made Edwards very popular and led to the conversion of many people.  Edwards’ sermons and preaching helped give way to the Great Awakening.

7.  Once in America many settlers were more concerned with their survival than with their religious beliefs.  Distance between people made any religious membership difficult.  Edwards and others helped to spark the Great Awakening.  The Great Awakening brought a revival in religious enthusiasm to the New World.

8.  Unified Americans in the North and South  Greater importance placed on education  Sense of responsibility for Indians and Slaves  Religion gave people reassurance and direction and helped to relieve anxiety.