Overview
This lecture covers the origins and development of the Northern Colonies up to 1700, examining their religious motivations, societal structures, dissent, economic foundations, and relations with Native Americans.
The Reformation and Origins of the Northern Colonies
- Martin Luther’s Reformation emphasized salvation by faith alone, not rituals or church authority.
- The English Reformation began when Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church, making the king head of the Anglican Church.
- Puritans sought to further "purify" the Anglican Church, while Separatists (Pilgrims) wanted total separation.
The Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony
- Pilgrims, persecuted in England, first moved to the Netherlands, then America on the Mayflower.
- The Mayflower Compact established self-governance before landing.
- Pilgrims settled Plymouth Colony, struggled through harsh winters, and formed alliances with Native Americans for survival.
- Plymouth remained a poor but religiously successful colony.
Puritans and Massachusetts Bay Colony
- The Puritans were well-funded, organized, and aimed to build a model Christian community, "city upon a hill."
- They migrated as entire communities, leading to rapid population growth and prosperity.
- Puritan society was based on Calvinism, predestination, and strict moral codes; the government enforced religious norms.
Dissent and New Colonies
- Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams challenged Puritan authority; both were expelled, leading to the founding of Rhode Island (religious tolerance) and Connecticut (broader voting rights).
- Only church members could vote in Massachusetts; dissent led to the creation of the Connecticut Orders (early constitution).
Economy and Society in New England
- New England’s economy was based on timber, fish, and trade with England and the Caribbean.
- The region enjoyed high population growth and life expectancy, but religious fervor declined over generations.
- The Halfway Covenant (1662) tried to maintain church influence by allowing partial membership for descendants.
Salem Witch Trials and Decline of Puritan Vision
- The Salem Witch Trials reflected religious anxiety and social tensions, resulting in executions before ending in discredit and apologies.
- The strict Puritan experiment faded as society and beliefs changed.
Quakers and Pennsylvania
- Quakers rejected predestination, emphasized equality, and tolerated diverse Christian practices.
- William Penn founded Pennsylvania for religious tolerance and fair dealings with Native Americans.
- Pennsylvania thrived due to inclusive policies but faced frontier tensions over land.
English Control and King Philip’s War
- The English government increased control over colonial trade post-1650.
- King Philip’s War (1675-1678) was a violent conflict with Native Americans over land, resulting in heavy losses and further English dominance.
- After the Glorious Revolution, some colonial autonomy was restored.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Reformation — Religious reform movement in 16th-century Europe challenging Catholic doctrine.
- Puritans — English Protestants seeking to further reform the Anglican Church.
- Separatists/Pilgrims — Group wanting complete separation from the Anglican Church.
- Mayflower Compact — Early social contract for self-government in Plymouth.
- Calvinism — Protestant theology emphasizing predestination.
- Halfway Covenant — Policy allowing partial church membership for descendants.
- Salem Witch Trials — Series of witchcraft accusations and executions in Massachusetts (1692).
- Quakers — Religious group advocating equality and nonviolence.
- King Philip’s War — Conflict between New England colonists and Native Americans over land.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read textbook sections on the founding of New York and New Jersey.