Massachusetts Bay Company

Definition

The Massachusetts Bay Company was a trading company established in 1628 that played a crucial role in the settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Founded by Puritan merchants, its main objective was to capitalize on trade in the New World while providing a place for Puritans to practice their religion freely, influencing the social and political landscape of colonial America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Massachusetts Bay Company received a royal charter in 1629, which allowed it to govern itself and establish a colony in New England.
2. The company was instrumental in the Great Migration, facilitating the relocation of thousands of Puritans fleeing religious persecution in England.
3. Under the leadership of John Winthrop, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded on principles of Puritanism, emphasizing community, religion, and governance.
4. The Massachusetts Bay Company established a form of self-government that included town meetings and elected representatives, setting a precedent for future democratic practices in America.
5. By 1643, the Massachusetts Bay Company had transitioned from a commercial enterprise to a governing body, reflecting the shift from economic motives to religious and societal goals.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Company influence the migration patterns of Puritans in the 17th century?
  • The establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Company was pivotal in shaping Puritan migration patterns as it provided both an economic incentive and a religious haven for those fleeing persecution in England. The company's charter allowed for self-governance, which attracted many Puritans looking for freedom to practice their faith. This led to the Great Migration during the 1630s, where thousands moved to New England seeking refuge and community aligned with their beliefs.
• Discuss how the governance established by the Massachusetts Bay Company reflected Puritan values and contributed to the development of early American political structures.
  • The governance established by the Massachusetts Bay Company was deeply intertwined with Puritan values, emphasizing community cohesion, moral conduct, and collective decision-making. This is evident in their use of town meetings and representative assemblies, which encouraged civic participation and set foundational principles for democracy. These early political structures not only reflected Puritan ideals but also laid groundwork for later democratic governance in America.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Massachusetts Bay Company's transition from a commercial enterprise to a governing body on American society and politics.
  • The transition of the Massachusetts Bay Company from a commercial enterprise to a governing body had profound long-term impacts on American society and politics. It marked a shift where economic interests were replaced by governance rooted in religious and communal priorities. This change fostered a sense of identity among colonists that valued self-governance and civic responsibility. Ultimately, it contributed to evolving ideas about democracy and citizenship that would resonate throughout American history, especially during revolutionary movements and beyond.

Related terms

Puritanism:

A religious reform movement that sought to purify the Church of England from its Catholic practices, which influenced many settlers in New England.

Great Migration:

The period during the 1630s when a significant number of Puritans emigrated from England to New England, many of whom settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

John Winthrop: The first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a key figure in its early development, known for his vision of creating a 'city upon a hill' as a model Christian society.