The New England Colonies

Massachusetts

Founded by William Bradford and John Winthrop

Reasons for leaving England: Puritans wanted religious freedom from the

Church of England

People and Religion

Native Americans - Wampanoag Puritans – did not separate entirely from the

Church of England Wanted to reform the church with simpler ways of

worship – took Sabbath very seriouslyNo organ music or decorated houses

Believed people should worship as a community – very close knitHad town meetings – settlers discussed and voted on many

issues

MA – Government

Formed the General Court – white, male, church members chosen as elected representatives to an assembly Only Puritans could vote

Was a theocracy – area ruled by ministers

MA - Facts

Climate – cold winter, mild summers Geography – mountainous, long coastline Economy – shipbuilding, shopkeepers, lumber,

fishing, whaling, farming for local trade

Connecticut

Founded by Thomas Hooker Founded for religion freedom

CT – Government (Politics)

Set up the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut – gave the vote to all white men who were property owners, including those who weren’t church members and limited the governor’s power

Very similar to idea of representative government

Connecticut - Facts

Religion – were mostly Puritans but separated church and state (religious freedom)

Economy – shipbuilders, some small farming, fishing, whaling, hunted game

Climate – cold winters, mild summers Geography – mountainous, large coastline People – English, Dutch, Swedish, Native

Americans

Rhode Island

Founded by Roger Williams Reasons for founding RI:

Williams believed the Puritans had too much control. He believed in religious tolerance – a willingness to let others practice their own beliefs.

RI – Politics and Religion

Had a general assembly - gave all white men the right to vote

Religion – Religious freedom (Jews, Quakers, Baptists, etc.)

RI - Facts

Economy – shipbuilding, fishing, whaling, some farming (mostly dairy), slave trade

Climate- cold winters and mild summers Geography –mountainous, long coastlines People – Mostly British, Swedish, Dutch,

Native Americans

Anne Hutchinson

Prominent member of the Puritan Church However, she questioned some of the Puritan

sermons so they put her on trial. Puritans believed women did not have the right to

explain God’s law Was put on trial and ordered out of the colony Moved to RI and eventually was killed by Indians. The Hutchinson River Parkway in NY is named

after her.

New Hampshire

Founder – John Wheelwright Founded because he was banished from Boston Government – Formed the “Exeter Compact”

fashioned after the Mayflower Compact, under the rule of the Massachusetts governor

Economy – agriculture, shipbuilding, textiles Climate/Geography – mountainous, harsh winters,

mild summers People - British