New England Colonization and Conflicts

Overview

This lecture covers the colonization and conflicts of the New England colonies, focusing on their founding, political developments, relationships with England, and violent interactions with Native Americans.

Founding of New England Colonies

• The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by Puritans (Congregationalists) seeking religious reform, led by John Winthrop.
• Winthrop received a charter in 1629 allowing colonists to govern themselves, increasing colonial autonomy.
• The "Great Migration" (1620–1640) saw about 20,000 Puritans move to New England.
• Religious motives initially dominated migration, but economic opportunities diversified the population and exports.
• Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams, a separatist who supported religious freedom and separation of church and state.
• Williams purchased land from Native Americans and established Providence as a place of religious tolerance.
• Anne Hutchinson, an outspoken Puritan woman, was banished from Massachusetts and settled near Providence due to her religious dissent.
• Connecticut was founded by Thomas Hooker, emphasizing voting rights for all free men, not just church members.
• New Hampshire and Maine were chartered by John Mason and Sir Fernando Gorges but eventually came under Massachusetts' control.

English Political Influence and Colonial Responses

• The English Civil War distracted England from colonial affairs, increasing independence in the colonies.
• After the monarchy was restored, Massachusetts Bay resisted royal authority and lost its charter.
• James II created the Dominion of New England, restricting colonial self-government and increasing taxes.
• The Glorious Revolution ended the Dominion, restoring separate colonies and fostering anti-crown and anti-tax sentiments, especially in Boston.

Conflicts and Warfare in New England

• Tensions over land and cultural differences sparked conflicts between colonists and Native Americans.
• The Pequot Wars (1637) resulted in near destruction of the Pequot tribe.
• King Philip’s War (1675–1676) led to massive losses for Native Americans and the death of Wampanoag leader Metacom.
• The Beaver Wars (1629–1701) were primarily between the Iroquois and French over control of the fur trade.
• Native American captivity of settlers became common; captivity narratives such as those by Mary Rowlandson and Hannah Duston became popular.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Puritan — Member of a religious group seeking to "purify" the Church of England.
• Great Migration — Large-scale movement of Puritans to New England between 1620–1640.
• Separation of Church and State — Principle that government and religious institutions should be independent.
• Charter — A royal grant defining colony governance.
• Dominion of New England — Consolidated rule over the NE colonies by the English crown (1686–1689).
• Pequot Wars — Conflict leading to the destruction of the Pequot tribe.
• King Philip’s War — Major conflict between English settlers and Native Americans in New England.
• Beaver Wars — Series of conflicts over fur trade dominance between Iroquois and French (and their allies).
• Captivity Narrative — Personal account of colonist’s experiences in Native American captivity.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review reading materials on the origins and development of New England colonies.
• Prepare for discussion on the effects of English political changes on colonial governance.
• Read assigned captivity narratives for next class.