The Puritans were part of a relatively new religious movement known as Protestantism that had emerged around 1520. Protestants challenged Catholic policies and practices but did not form a single church of their own. Instead, a number of theologians formed distinct denominations in various regions of Europe. Catholics sought to counter their claims by revitalizing their faith and reasserting control. These religious conflicts shaped developments in North America as the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English competed for lands and sometimes souls.