Overview
This lecture covers the foundation, development, society, government, economy, and key events of the Massachusetts Bay Colony from its establishment in the 17th century through its growth and influence in New England.
Founding and Settlement
- Massachusetts Bay Colony was a charter colony, allowing self-governance under English law.
- Founded by the Massachusetts Bay Company, comprised mainly of Puritans, during the Great Puritan Migration.
- The company was granted a royal charter in 1629 by King Charles I.
- In 1630, John Winthrop led a fleet of Puritan settlers to New England, establishing the colony's core settlements.
- Early hardships included food scarcity, disease, and inadequate shelter.
- The Puritans settled first in Charlestown, then moved to Shawmut Peninsula (now Boston) at William Blackstone's invitation.
- Boston officially became the colony’s capital in 1632.
Expansion and Society
- The population quickly grew, with over 40,000 English colonists by 1640.
- New towns founded included Salem, Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, and others.
- Each village had houses, a communal garden, a meetinghouse, and by law, a school if population exceeded 50.
Native Relations and Conflicts
- Colonists aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity but also feared and displaced them.
- Diseases brought by settlers devastated the local Native population by 1650.
- King Philip's War in 1675 nearly destroyed the Wampanoag and Narragansett tribes.
- Surviving Native Americans were killed, fled west, or sold into slavery.
Government and Religion
- Only full church members could participate in government.
- Puritans were intolerant of other religions, especially Quakers, who faced severe persecution until intervention from the English Crown.
- The charter was revoked in 1684 for violations, leading to the brief creation of the Dominion of New England.
- In 1691, a new charter unified Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, and Maine colonies and established a royal governor.
Economy and Trade
- Early focus was on local needs; broader trade began after 1640’s economic depression.
- Exportation of beef and other goods to Europe and the West Indies became vital.
- Massachusetts Bay legalized slavery in 1641, participating in the Atlantic slave trade and Triangle Trade.
- The economy thrived on exports, despite concerns over external trading influences.
Toward Revolution
- Post-French and Indian War, Britain imposed taxes like the Stamp Act and Townshend Act, leading to colonial protests.
- Economic and political tensions set the stage for the American Revolution.
- Boycotts and rebellion, including the Boston Tea Party, led to independence in 1783.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Charter colony — A colony governed by a royal charter, allowing significant self-rule.
- Puritans — A religious group seeking to purify the Church of England, central to the colony’s founding.
- Great Puritan Migration — Mass movement of Puritans from England to New England in the 1620s-1640s.
- Dominion of New England — A short-lived administrative union of English colonies imposed by King James II.
- Triangle Trade — Trade route involving slave transport from Africa, sugar from the West Indies, and goods to New England.
- King Philip's War — A conflict between New England colonists and Native American tribes (1675–1676).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Massachusetts Bay Colony timeline for key dates and events.
- Read assigned chapters on early colonial government and economy.
- Prepare notes on the relationship between religion and government in Puritan society.