The New England Colonies Demands for Religious Freedom

The New England Colonies

Demands for Religious Freedom • Some religious groups in Europe dissented with the church and were persecuted • Wanting to reform the church– Puritans • Wanting to leave the church– Separatists

The Pilgrims • Separatists who wanted freedom in America, trip was to be to Jamestown • Sailed on the Mayflower, wrote up contract with all members– Mayflower Compact (early gov) • Blown off course and land near Plymouth at Cape Cod in the winter- no food • NA’s help– Squanto and Samoset taught them to farm and survive- 1 st Thanksgiving

Massachusetts Bay Colony • Puritans form the New England Company and start colony north of Plymouth, create city of Boston • Led by John Winthrop- strict, wanted to create society based on the Bible, believed he had a covenant (deal) with God • Great Migration- many people come over to America, Mass. is not tolerant, only white, male, church members who owned property could vote

Connecticut • Great area for farming • Founded by Thomas Hooker– didn’t like strict rules and Winthrop • Wanted to separate Church and State (gov), didn’t have to be church member to vote • Gov is called the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

Rhode Island • People forced out of Mass. – lead by Roger Williams • Separate church and state, religious toleration, treat NA’s fairly • First known as Rogue’s Island

Salem Witch Trials • Young girls in Salem, Mass. accuse women of placing them under spells • Trials held, girls acting/fainting • 19 women hung or burned for being witches, all lies of little girls