Essay about Early American Colonies - 2663 Words

The Massachusetts colony, otherwise known as the ‘Massachusetts Bay colony’ was originally settled by Puritans in 1630. They were plagued by the religious persecutions of King Charles I and the Church of England. Weary from this dogged torment, they left England under the leadership of John Winthrop. These original colonists quickly established many small towns in the name of high religious ideals and strict societal rules. They also planted churches, spread Puritanism and religiously educated the masses, as these were some of their goals. A utopian society that other colonies looked upon with high regards was the ultimate goal. The charter that gave the Puritans freedom to leave the England had a significant loophole-the colony did†¦show more content†¦Strong religious views that coincided with a reverence for family and accountability for one’s own actions made for a strict lifestyle in the colony. The minister was considered to be the most importan t man within the community. To have spoken out or fallen asleep during a four hour sermon was thought to be unacceptable and a harsh punishment was handed out. Another example of the rigidness of the colony was that if a person were to miss a sermon without just cause, they were to be placed in a pillory and have their ear nailed to it. Simplicity was a key element in worship as there were no candles, religious ritual, or decoration. Emphasis was solely placed on the sermon. Puritans did not participate in traditional holidays as it was thought to be sacrilegious. Dramatic plays along with any form of gambling were banned also. Oddly enough, drinking was allowed but no toasts could be made as it was considered to be wasteful. Another core belief was the family had a ‘social order’. The father was the head of the household, with mother as the helper (as stated in the Bible) and children were the lowest in the hierarchy. Obedience of the children in the home was expec ted and demanded. A just love of the children was to discipline the children justly. If the children were obedient then the austerity and goodness of the mother were seen to be her saving grace in the hereafter. However, if the mother was too tender loving and not stern with theShow MoreRelatedThe Pilgrims and the Settlement of the Early American Colonies715 Words   |  3 PagesThe Pilgrims and the Settlement of the Early American Colonies When the new world was discovered, the people who were to first settle there were supposed to achieve fame, farmland, and a better life. They came to practice religion freely, to escape persecution, become land owners, and establish trading businesses. Now while people believed that they would have a better life in the new world, in reality life there was just as hard, if not harder. But was all this worth the price of theirRead More Comparing Early American Colonies Essay1239 Words   |  5 Pagesworship in there own way, and expand there kingdoms. 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