JOHN WINTHROP AND THE FOUNDING OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY

 Massachusetts Bay Colony was settled around what is now Salem and Boston.  At times consisted of much of what is still called New England – Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.  During the 1630s, around 20,000 Puritans emigrated from England to North America.

 Goals:  Similar to Pilgrims, they emigrated with the hope of establishing an ideal Puritan community  Create a “harmonious Christian community” that could serve as an example for England to follow

 After receiving their charter for land in New England, the group that would settle Massachusetts Bay (referred to as the Massachusetts Bay Company) elected John Winthrop as their first governor.  He would remain governor for the first twenty years of the colony; often regarded for his integrity and commitment to the Puritan mission

 Son of wealthy parents; attended Cambridge and inherited estate from father  As governor of Massachusetts Bay, he is generally regarded as moderate, although he was very authoritative  Most known for his detailed writings, which serve as the main record of colonial development and expansion