Early English Colonies Part 2

Massachusetts Colonies Mr. Heath

Blue Creek Elementary School

2011

New England

Region named “New England” by John Smith

Massachusetts

• Pilgrims and Puritans

• Came for Religious Freedom and a Better Life

• Both groups were persecuted because of their faith

• Persecuted—mistreated because of religious beliefs

• Disagreed with the Church of England

Protestant Reformation • Before Reformation—Only

Catholic Church in Europe• Many Christians broke away

from Catholic Church to form their own churches

• Church of England = Official Church in England—Everyone in England had to be members

• Pilgrims and Puritans thought Church of England was too much like the Catholic Church

Martin Luther

Plymouth

• Pilgrims or Separatists because they wanted to separate from the

Church of England

• Led by William Bradford

• Landed at Plymouth in 1620

• Almost half died the first winter

• Survived with help of Native Americans

Help from the Indians • Squanto and Samoset spoke English• Traded with Pilgrims• Showed them where and

how to fish and grow crops • Massasoit signed peace

treaty• Both sides promised to live in

peace and support each other

Massachusetts Bay Colony • Started in 1630 by

Puritans where Boston is today

• Leader: John Winthrop

• Wanted to create a “City on a Hill” or a Christian colony that would be a model for the world

• Very Successful

Massachusetts Bay

Plymouth

Strict Colony• Many Rules • No religious freedom • Believed in hard work • Worked from sunrise to

sunset• Required to go to church on

Sunday • No dancing and no plays • Harsh punishment for crimes • Made time for house-raising

and weddings

Democracy in Massachusetts Bay • Town Meeting

• Every male church member had the right to speak

• Decisions made by voting

• Many New England towns are governed by town meetings today

Typical New England Town Meeting House

Town Square

Family Homes