Praying towns

Definition

Praying towns were settlements 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 served as a space for Native Americans to adopt Christian beliefs and practices while living in a community that mirrored European society, facilitating their assimilation into colonial culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Praying towns were first established by the Puritans in the 1640s, particularly in Massachusetts, as part of their broader efforts to Christianize Native American tribes.
2. The most notable praying town was Natick, founded in 1651, which became a model for other such communities throughout New England.
3. These towns were intended to isolate Native Americans from their traditional ways and encourage them to adopt European customs, including agriculture and Christianity.
4. While some Native Americans embraced life in praying towns, many others resisted conversion and the loss of their cultural identities.
5. Praying towns played a complex role in colonial relationships with Indigenous peoples, as they both facilitated conversion and simultaneously contributed to cultural erasure.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of praying towns reflect the religious goals of the Puritans in New England?
  • Praying towns exemplified the Puritan commitment to reforming society through strict religious adherence and promoting Christian values. The Puritans believed that converting Native Americans was not only a moral obligation but also essential for the success of their colonies. By creating these settlements, they aimed to provide a structured environment where Indigenous people could learn about Christianity and Western customs, ultimately fostering greater control over Native populations.
• Analyze the impact of praying towns on the cultural identity of Native American communities involved.
  • Praying towns significantly impacted the cultural identity of Native American communities by encouraging assimilation into European ways of life. While some individuals converted and adopted new practices, this often led to a dilution or loss of traditional customs and beliefs. The pressure to conform within praying towns created tensions within Indigenous groups, as many resisted this forced cultural shift while others sought opportunities for survival within the colonial framework.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of praying towns on Native American relations with European settlers and the broader context of colonialism in North America.
  • The long-term consequences of praying towns on Native American relations with European settlers were profound and multifaceted. On one hand, they represented an attempt at integration into colonial society; on the other hand, they highlighted the aggressive efforts of settlers to erase Indigenous cultures. This tension laid the groundwork for future conflicts between colonizers and Native peoples, as resentment towards colonial policies grew alongside resistance to cultural assimilation. Ultimately, praying towns symbolized a significant moment in the broader narrative of colonialism that sought to reshape Indigenous identities across North America.

Related terms

Puritans: A group of English Protestants who sought to purify the Church of England, playing a significant role in the establishment of praying towns as part of their religious mission.

Conversion: The act of changing one's religious beliefs, which was a primary goal of the praying towns for Native Americans, aiming to transform them into Christians.

Missionaries: Individuals sent to promote Christianity, who often led efforts to establish praying towns and convert Indigenous populations in New England.