1. Rockin’ America Puritan Style
1620s – 1750s

2. Puritan Values and Beliefs: Religion
Terms to Know
Calvinism – Belief that only certain people were predestined to go to Heaven; those “elect” displayed the most moral and pure behavior
Depravity – an act of immorality; because of Original Sin, all people are born sinful
The Great Awakening – widespread religious revival (late Puritan period) that maintained people had to have internal emotional experience, repent, and convert to be “born again.”

3. Puritan Values and Beliefs: Religion
Left England to escape what they thought was corruption in the Church of England (elaborate rituals, richly dressed clergy)
Had simple, undecorated religious services in plain meetinghouses
Only men could serve in
leadership roles
Path to righteousness was
study of and adherence to the
Bible
People were expected to
examine their own behaviors
and thoughts daily

4. Puritan Values and Beliefs: Education
All children would be educated in biblical principles and the laws of the land
Harvard established in 1636
Girls went to “reading school;” boys went on to grammar and Latin school to prepare for university studies
Children did not play typical games; instead boys learned to work and hunt, and girls learned how to keep the home.

5. Puritan Values and Beliefs
Core Values: God, family, hard work
Husband had dominion over wife; parents over children; master over servants
People are put on Earth to glorify God
Strict moral codes and expectations
Simple clothing and living
conditions
Little to no theatrical or
secular entertainment
Hard work always
Purity and Piety!

6. Literature Purpose: To teach morals (not for pleasure)
and to glorify God only
Types: Sermons, primers, poetry, hymns
Famous Puritan writers:
Jonathan Edwards – preacher and philosopher who aimed to scare congregations into salvation
Anne Bradstreet – first published poet in America; wrote about domestic daily life within the context of “God’s divine plan.”