Why did the Puritans immigrate to North America?

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PURITANS WHO IMMIGRATED to North America aspired to escape the turmoil and persecution they suffered in England, a long-term consequence of the English Reformation. They also sought to build a new, orderly, Puritan version of England. Puritans established the first small settlement in New England in 1620, followed a few years later by additional settlements by the Massachusetts Bay Company. Allowed self-government through royal charter, these Puritans were in a unique position to direct the new colonies according to their faith. Although many New England colonists were not Puritans, Puritanism remained a paramount influence in New England’s religion, politics, and community life during the seventeenth century.

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Figure false: Seal of Massachusetts Bay Colony
Figure false: In 1629, the Massachusetts Bay Company designed this seal depicting an Indian man inviting English settlers to “come over and help us.” Of course, such an invitation was never issued. The seal was an attempt to lend an aura of altruism to the Massachusetts Bay Company’s colonization efforts. What does the seal suggest about English views of Indians? Courtesy of Massachusetts Archives.

CHRONOLOGY

1534

  • English Reformation begins.

1558–1603

  • Reign of Elizabeth I in England.

1603–1625

  • Reign of James I in England.

1620

  • Plymouth colony is founded by Pilgrims.

1629

  • Massachusetts Bay Company receives a royal charter.

1630

  • John Winthrop leads Puritan settlers to Massachusetts Bay.