Praying towns

Definition

Praying towns were communities established by English colonists in New England during the 17th century, designed to convert Native Americans to Christianity and European ways of life. These towns were integral to the colonial missionary efforts and reflected the complex relationships between Native Americans and European settlers, often becoming sites of cultural exchange, conflict, and resistance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Praying towns emerged primarily in the 1640s under the influence of Puritan leaders like John Eliot, who aimed to spread Christianity among Native Americans.
2. These towns served as both religious centers and models for a 'civilized' lifestyle according to European standards, which included farming and Western education.
3. Native Americans in praying towns were often viewed with suspicion by their tribes, leading to conflicts and divisions within indigenous communities.
4. While some Native Americans converted and adapted to life in praying towns, many maintained elements of their traditional culture and beliefs despite pressure to conform.
5. By the late 17th century, many praying towns faced decline due to King Philip's War and shifting attitudes toward Native Americans, leading to increased hostilities and reduced missionary efforts.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of praying towns reflect the attitudes of Puritan colonists towards Native Americans?
  • The establishment of praying towns exemplified the Puritan belief in the necessity of converting Native Americans to Christianity. Puritans viewed themselves as moral guides, believing that they had a divine duty to save indigenous peoples from what they saw as spiritual ignorance. This led them to create these towns as spaces for conversion and instruction, showcasing a complex mix of admiration for Native cultures and an underlying desire for dominance over them.
• In what ways did praying towns serve as a catalyst for cultural exchange between Native Americans and European settlers?
  • Praying towns acted as focal points for cultural exchange by bringing together Native Americans and European settlers in shared spaces. Within these communities, indigenous peoples were introduced to European agricultural practices, religious teachings, and social structures. Conversely, some settlers learned about Native American traditions, languages, and governance systems. However, this exchange was often one-sided, with significant pressure on Native Americans to abandon their customs in favor of European practices.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of praying towns on Native American communities in New England following their establishment.
  • The long-term impacts of praying towns on Native American communities were profound and multifaceted. While they provided some Natives with access to education and new agricultural techniques, they also fostered divisions within tribes and led to a loss of traditional practices. The decline of praying towns post-King Philip's War marked a significant shift in colonial-Native relations, as many indigenous people faced increased marginalization. Ultimately, these communities exemplified both opportunities for interaction and the oppressive dynamics that characterized colonialism in New England.

Related terms

Puritans: A group of English Protestants who sought to purify the Church of England and played a significant role in the establishment of praying towns as part of their missionary efforts.

Massachusetts Bay Colony: A key English settlement in New England where many praying towns were established as part of the Puritan mission to convert Native populations.

Cultural Assimilation: The process through which Native Americans adopted European customs and beliefs, often seen in praying towns as indigenous peoples converted to Christianity and changed their ways of living.