Settling the Middle Colonies

1. Settling the Middle Colonies

2. Protestant Reformation creates Puritanism Martin Luther – German priest that boosted the Protestant Reformation by nailing his “95 Theses” to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral – focused on his disgust with the Roman Catholic Church Supported by: ___________________________ Outlines: • The Bible is God’s word (new interpretations from the Pope or clergy are unacceptable) • Salvation is only acquired through the grace of God (Can’t earn salvation) (3) “Good Works” alone will not provide a ticket to heaven

3. John Calvin Calvinism - stressed “predestination” (placement after death has already been determined by God). • Nicknamed the “Protestant Work Ethic” – due to the belief to “PROVE” their worthiness to Heaven. • Disposed during the 2nd Great Awakening in American History mid 19th century(leads to revivalism under the leadership of Charles G. Finney)

4. Pilgrims / Separatists • Purpose: to practice religious freedom (escaping religious persecution), travelled to America in search of English tradition (culture) MAYFLOWER • Original destination: Virginia, but arrived off of the coast of New England in 1620. • Wisely, the Pilgrims carefully surveyed for possible sites. Plymouth was chosen (Massachusetts) • Leadership and security against Indians would come to be provided by Captain Myles Standish, known as “Captain Shrimp.” MAYFLOWER COMPACT– First form of self-gov’t in New England (America ran by Americans)

5. Plymouth Pilgrims - Struggled in the winters of the Plantation colonies and ventured back to England for comfort, weapons and supplies - Plymouth Pilgrims were helped by a friendly Massasoit Indian culture – First Thanksgiving Economy: based on fishing Successful due to its merging with Massachusetts Bay colony

6. Massachusetts Bay Colony • Granted a “charter” from the England / used as a blueprint for self independence. • “Bible Commonwealth”: a democracy ran by Biblical principles. The franchise (right to vote) was quickly given to all “freemen” : adult men who were members of the congregation / church Not a member of the church, and all women, = no voting! Governor of Mass. Colony: John Winthrop called democracy the “meanest and worst” form of government Desired church membership? – you could be voted in

7. Rhode Island : Sewer Colony • Roger Williams: outspoken preacher that wanted a complete break from the English church, questioned the legality of the English charter and was banished for his preachings….so he started Rhode Island • Don’t fit in anywhere else – come to Rhode Island • True desire of Rhode Island: Independence!

8. Connecticut • Reverend Thomas Hooker: took a group to a nearby land to start a new colony. • Fundamental Orders – America’s FIRST written / documented constitution (model of U.S. Constitution).

9. Seeds of Colonial Unity and Independence New England Confederation – sense of unity and motives of survival were discussed. Charles II hated the fact that the confederation is formed. Personal vendetta against Massachusetts (does not like the level of independent thoughts and actions). *Provides a sea charter (supplied with resources from England) for Connecticut and NOT Massachusetts True goal of Charles II: TIGHTEN GRIP OF CONTROL OVER COLONIAL LIFE!!!!

10. Arm of the King Dominion of New England • Strengthen defense against Native American attacks • Regain CONTROL over America for the English How??? England passes the NAVIGATION ACTS Any goods imported into the colonies had to travel THROUGH England first Any goods exported from the colonies “ “ “ “ “ Problematic for colonies: longer shipping times = heavier taxes • Result: smuggling goods in from other colonies and countries • Sir Edmond Andros: leader of the Dominion of New England / troubled leader! • English power was stripped during the Glorious Revolution and the rug was pulled from under Andros’ feet. • Dressed as a woman to sneak away from the consequences of a poorly ran dominion. Major turning point with voting rights: new English Charter = want to vote = have to OWN LAND – doesn’t call for a membership to a church. - backward step for Bible Commonwealth

11. The Quakers and Middle Colonies • People who “shook” or “quaked” when hit with religious experience • Church tax was refused by the Quakers (taxes benefited the Church of England) • Hated war / “turn the other cheek” motives • Most famous: William Penn 1.In 1681, he was awarded a large tract of land by the king. 2.The tract would come to be “Pennsylvania” meaning “Penn’s woodland.” Being modest, he disliked this name, but it stuck. 3.Pennsylvania was the best-advertised colony. It attracted many people and prospered 4. Civil relationship with the Indians Why go to Pennsylvania? • Freedom of religion • Hatred for slavery (first colony to do so) • Immigration was unrestricted and naturalization was easy Middle Colonies: New York / New Jersey / Delaware / Pennsylvania Main crop: Grain – “bread colonies