The New England Colonies

DO NOW: Answer the following two questions: What might make you and your family move to another state or another country? What might have made people move in the 1600s and 1700s?

Life in New England Religion -Puritans’ religion was at the Center of Daily Life. -On Sundays, Puritans were required by law to observe the Sabbath and go to Church -Nobody was allowed to play games or go to taverns -The average family had 7 or 8 kids

Religion Massachusetts had very strict religious rules Roger Williams felt that the Church had too much power. He believed in a Separation of Church and State He was banished from the colony and started the colony, Rhode Island. He believed in Religious Toleration- A willingness to let others practice their own religion. He allowed Protestants, Jews and Catholics to worship freely. Others who disliked the strict rule of Mass., flocked to Providence and other towns in Rhode Island

Religion A woman who fled to Rhode Island was Anne Hutchinson. She was a devout Puritan from Massachusetts She expressed her own views and sometimes criticized Sunday sermons. According to Puritan belief, women did not have a right to explain God’s law, and Anne was put on trial. She told the court that God had spoken to her directly, which again went against Puritan belief. She was banished from the colony and headed to Rhode Island where she could practice her religion freely.

Government Massachusetts- John Winthrop was Governor General Court- Male church members elected representatives to an assembly Connecticut- the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut Gave the vote to all men who were property owners, including those who were not church members. Limited the power of the Governor, expanding the idea of Representative Government Puritan laws were very strict. Many crimes carried the death penalty, including witchcraft.

Government Town Meetings- Settlers discussed and voted on many issues in local society New Englanders had a chance to speak their minds This experience encouraged the growth of democratic ideals in New England. Town meetings still take place today What are some topics that they may have discussed?

Land/ Climate Economy Rocky soil, difficult for farming Long, cold winters Rich forests Hunted wild turkey and deer Wood from trees used for shipbuilding Fishing (shellfish, oysters, lobsters, etc.) Grew crops such as corn, pumpkins, squash and beans Hunting whales (oil for lamps, ivory and other products)

In closing… To what extent did the New England Colonies practice democratic, American ideals? What about the colonies were Democratic? Undemocratic?