Virginia & United States History
Were seeking freedom from religious
persecution
Settled mostly in New England colonies
Wanted to “purify” Church of England
Formed a “covenant community” based
on the principles of the Mayflower
Compact – first governing document of
Plymouth Colony
Sought economic opportunity
Practiced a form of direct democracy
through town meetings
Direct Democracy – All citizens
(eligible to vote) participated in
decision-making process
Developed an economy based on
shipbuilding, fishing, lumbering, and
eventually manufacturing.
These colonies reflected the Puritan’s
belief in hard work and thrift.
New England’s colonial society was
based on religious standing
Puritans grew increasingly intolerant of
dissenters who challenged their beliefs
Believed in connection between religion
and government
 Puritans transformed the landscape of New England
through farming and the cultivating of crops
 Puritans also attempted to transform Native
Americans, convincing hundreds to adopt Puritan
beliefs and customs
 This angered many Native Americans, leading to
conflict in the region
 As colonists encroached upon Native American
land, tension began to rise with Native Americans
 A peace conference was held in 1675 in an attempt
to settle disputes, but this was unsuccessful
 Shortly after, Metacom (King Philip) united several
Indian groups in an attempt to drive the English out
of the region
 Known as King Philip’s War, this conflict resulted in
the death of 2,000 settlers and 4,000 Natives
 In 1635, Roger Williams (Separatist minister), was
banished from Massachusetts after quarreling with
Puritan authorities
 He thought that Native Americans should be treated
more fairly, and supported some degree of
religious tolerance
 Anne Hutchinson was also banished from
Massachusetts for arguing against Puritan beliefs
 In 1692, several men and women were accused of
witchcraft or “dealing with the devil”
 As a result, 20 men and women were sentenced to
be executed
 This was representative of the strict Puritan
adherence to both religion and government