Crash Course US History: Religious Freedom and Early Colonies

Introduction

• Presented by John Green
• Discussion of early English settlers in America and their quest for religious freedom
• Contrast between historical facts and American mythology

Early English Settlers

Pilgrims and Puritans

• Small group settled in Massachusetts Bay, known as New England
• Came to escape religious persecution in England
• Pilgrims and Puritans were different; both sought religious reform

Virginia and Economic Motivations

• First English settlers in Virginia sought wealth, not religious freedom
• Jamestown, Virginia, 1607: First successful English colony
• Previous failed attempts: Roanoke Island
• Jamestown was a venture by the Virginia Company, looking for gold
• Failed initial survival: High mortality due to farming resistance

Headright System

• 1618: Headright system initiated
• Attracted settlers by offering 50 acres for each person brought over
• Creation of large estates worked by indentured servants
• Indentured servants were temporary, similar to slaves

Introduction of Tobacco

• Tobacco found to be highly profitable
• By 1624, Virginia produced over 200,000 pounds of tobacco annually
• Structured Virginian society: Small wealthy class over many servants

Chesapeake Colonies

Maryland

• Founded in 1632 as a proprietorship by Cecilius Calvert
• Attempted to establish a feudal kingdom
• Welcomed Catholics at a time of religious intolerance elsewhere

New England Colonies

Massachusetts Bay Colony

• Founded by Puritans for religious freedom
• Emphasized social unity and common good over individualism
• Governed democratically but limited to church members

Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact

• 1620: Pilgrims founded Plymouth
• Signed the Mayflower Compact for self-governance
• Survived with the help of Native Americans like Squanto

Religious and Social Order

• Puritans' tight-knit religious community
• "City upon a hill" metaphor by John Winthrop
• Religious conformity enforced; dissenters like Roger Williams and Ann Hutchinson banished

Reflection on American Founding

• America's foundation: Tension between mythology and historical realities
• Not solely about religious freedom but also economic pursuits
• Influence of indigenous peoples and other settlers

Conclusion

• Upcoming episodes to explore American myths vs. historical facts
• Crash Course production team and engagement with audience for discussions