Puritans

Definition

Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the late 16th and 17th centuries who sought to purify the Church of England from its Catholic practices. They played a significant role in the early colonial society of New England, emphasizing a strict moral code, communal responsibility, and a deep commitment to religious observance. Their beliefs and practices shaped the culture and social structure of early American colonies, particularly in Massachusetts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Puritans believed in predestination, the idea that God has already chosen who will be saved, which influenced their strict lifestyle and community expectations.
2. The Puritan work ethic emphasized hard work, discipline, and frugality, which contributed to the economic success of New England colonies.
3. Puritans established a theocratic society where church leaders held significant political power and enforced moral laws based on their interpretation of scripture.
4. Their intense focus on communal responsibility led to strict social norms and consequences for behaviors considered sinful, such as public shaming or exclusion from the community.
5. The Puritan legacy includes significant contributions to American values such as individualism, education, and a strong sense of community responsibility.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan beliefs influence the social structure and community dynamics in early New England colonies?
  • Puritan beliefs greatly influenced social structures in early New England by promoting a strong sense of community responsibility and shared moral values. The focus on communal worship and governance meant that church attendance was mandatory, and behaviors were closely monitored by fellow members. This led to a society with strict social norms where individuals were expected to conform to the Puritan moral code, fostering unity but also creating tensions for those who deviated from these expectations.
• Discuss the role of education in Puritan society and how it reflected their religious values.
  • Education played a crucial role in Puritan society as they believed that individuals needed to read the Bible and understand religious teachings. The establishment of schools was often funded by local communities to ensure that children learned to read and write. This emphasis on education reflected their commitment to an informed and literate populace capable of interpreting scripture for themselves. It laid the groundwork for later educational advancements in America, emphasizing both religious instruction and general knowledge.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Puritan ideals on American identity and culture, especially regarding individualism and governance.
  • The long-term impact of Puritan ideals on American identity is profound, shaping values like individualism, self-governance, and a sense of civic duty. Their belief in the importance of personal faith and direct relationship with God fostered an environment where questioning authority became more acceptable. This contributed to a culture that values independence and democratic principles, influencing later movements towards greater political representation and personal liberties. The legacy of Puritanism can be seen in contemporary American society's emphasis on hard work, education, and community engagement.

Related terms

Separatists: A subgroup of Puritans who believed that the Church of England was beyond reform and sought to separate entirely from it, leading to the establishment of independent congregations.

Congregationalism: A system of church governance practiced by Puritans where each congregation governs itself independently, emphasizing the authority of local church members.

The Great Migration: The period during the 1630s when a significant number of Puritans emigrated from England to New England, seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities.