Overview
This lecture covers the rise of key English colonies in the New World during the early 18th century, focusing on Maryland, Plymouth, and Massachusetts Bay, their religious dynamics, economic foundations, and historical significance.
Maryland: Foundation and Religious Tensions
- Founded in 1634 as a refuge for English Catholics facing persecution in Protestant England.
- King Charles I granted land to Sir George Calvert (Baron of Baltimore); later taken over by his son Cecilius Calvert.
- Calvert aimed for both religious refuge and profitable enterprise, encouraging quiet Catholicism.
- Settlers recruited as families and skilled workers to avoid Jamestown's pitfalls.
- Promoted diversified agriculture, but tobacco became the main cash crop, with corn and indigo also important.
- Geography with long coastlines and inlets facilitated trade and commerce.
- Religious conflict intensified during the English Civil War; Toleration Act of 1649 allowed all Christians but was revoked under Cromwell, leading to Catholic persecution.
- Maryland’s economic success helped it survive ongoing religious strife.
Plymouth Colony: Pilgrim Separatists and Early Challenges
- Established in 1620 by Puritan separatists (Pilgrims) seeking religious independence from the Church of England.
- Sponsored by the Plymouth Company to settle near the Chesapeake Bay but landed at Cape Cod due to storms.
- Signed the Mayflower Compact as a basic social contract among settlers.
- Early years marked by severe hardships and high mortality; received crucial help from Native American Squanto.
- Known in American culture for the "First Thanksgiving," which was actually a harvest festival.
- The colony remained small and economically insignificant; absorbed into Massachusetts Bay in 1691.
Massachusetts Bay Colony: Religious Ideals and Prosperity
- Founded in 1629 by the Massachusetts Bay Company, led by congregationalist Puritans seeking church reform, not separation.
- John Winthrop led the colony with the vision of a "city on a hill" to model a godly society for England.
- Maintained self-government by transferring the company charter to the colony itself.
- Created the Massachusetts General Court, one of the oldest representative legislatures.
- Society was not religiously tolerant; only Puritans could participate in government.
- Became economically successful through shipbuilding, lumber, and wheat production.
- The "city on a hill" idea influenced later American identity and political thought.
- Massachusetts Bay’s prosperity and influence made it pivotal in the lead-up to the American Revolution.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Toleration Act of 1649 — Maryland law allowing all Christians religious freedom.
- Puritan separatists (Pilgrims) — Group seeking to separate from the Church of England; established Plymouth.
- Mayflower Compact — Social contract for governance signed by Plymouth settlers.
- Congregationalist Puritans — Puritans who wanted self-governing churches while remaining in the Church of England.
- City on a Hill — Vision for Massachusetts Bay as an exemplary, godly society.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the characteristics and key differences of Maryland, Plymouth, and Massachusetts Bay colonies.
- Prepare for a discussion on the remaining major English colonies in the next lecture.