Great Puritan Migration

Definition

The Great Puritan Migration refers to the mass movement of English Puritans to North America during the 1630s, primarily to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This migration was driven by a desire for religious freedom and the pursuit of a new life, as Puritans sought to escape persecution in England and establish a society based on their religious ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Around 20,000 Puritans migrated to New England between 1629 and 1640, establishing a significant presence in the region.
2. The migration was fueled by the English Civil War and the increasing persecution of Puritans by King Charles I's government.
3. Puritan communities were characterized by a strong sense of communal identity and governance based on religious principles.
4. The Great Puritan Migration led to the establishment of a thriving economy in New England, with agriculture, trade, and fishing becoming central to its development.
5. The legacy of the Great Puritan Migration can be seen in the emphasis on education, community, and religious values that shaped American culture.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Puritan Migration impact the development of New England's social and political structure?
  • The Great Puritan Migration significantly shaped New England's social and political structure by establishing communities deeply rooted in religious values. Puritans created a society governed by the principles of their faith, leading to a theocratic system where church leaders often held political power. This blend of religion and governance promoted a strong sense of community among settlers, influencing laws, education, and social norms that would define the region for years to come.
• Discuss the economic effects of the Great Puritan Migration on New England compared to other colonies established during this period.
  • The Great Puritan Migration resulted in an economy that was distinct from other colonies due to its focus on self-sustaining agriculture and trade. Unlike the Southern colonies, which relied heavily on cash crops and slave labor, New England settlers engaged in diversified farming, fishing, and shipbuilding. This economic foundation supported thriving towns and a burgeoning mercantile economy that fostered trade both within New England and with Europe, contrasting sharply with the plantation economies developing elsewhere.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Puritan Migration on American identity and culture.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Puritan Migration on American identity and culture are profound and multifaceted. The emphasis on education established through community schools reflected a commitment to literacy and civic responsibility, contributing to an informed populace. Additionally, the Puritans' work ethic and belief in moral righteousness laid foundations for American individualism and exceptionalism. Over time, these values influenced broader societal norms, shaping an enduring narrative about freedom, hard work, and community responsibility that continues to resonate in American culture today.

Related terms

Puritans:

A group of English Protestants who sought to purify the Church of England from its Catholic practices and emphasized a strict religious lifestyle.

Massachusetts Bay Colony:

A colonial venture established by Puritans in 1630, which became a key settlement for those fleeing religious persecution and served as a model for other colonies.

Theocracy: A form of government in which religious leaders control the government, often based on religious law; prevalent in many Puritan settlements.