Puritanism “The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.” H.L. Mencken

Pilgrim= religious traveler in a strange land Why did this people travel from England to settle a virtual wilderness? In England, certain people thought that the church of England was to lax. They wanted to “purify” the church and became known as The Puritans.

Two groups settled in the North Plymouth, Mass. 1620 -wrote the Mayflower Compact, the Pilgrims constitution -William Bradford was the first governor Mass. Bay Colony 1629 -well-educated and moderately wealthy -led to the settlement and development of modern day New England

Chiefs Points of Puritan Theology Absolute sovereignty of God Predestination- an omniscient deity knows from the beginning who will be saved Providence- God directly intervenes in the world Natural Depravity-All men are naturally evil and deserve damnation Election-Through God’s mercy, a few are saved

Mayflower Statistics: Departed from England September 6, 1620 2,750 miles 66 days 102 passengers

Results of Puritan Theology Carried Christianity to America Established a strong government to combat naturally evil man Government included church, recreation, dress, business No religious freedom Good works were important Highly educated clergy Women and children could read…The Bible Plainness valued in all areas of life

Important Dates 1620- Pilgrims land at Plymouth 1630- Great Migration of Puritans to New England begins 1636- Harvard established to educate clergy 1692- 20 people executed in Salem witch trials 1734-1750- Great Awakening