In What Ways Did Ideas and Values Held by Puritans Influence the Political, Economic, and Social Development of the New England Colonies from 1630 Through the 1660s?
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As Puritans being members of the Church of England they greatly influenced the political, social, and economic development of the New England colonies from 1630 to 1660 by organizing their community as a theocracy. When New England organized their colonies as theocracies they became ruled by religion and God. New England colonies became very close so that they could work together as one.
The Puritans influenced Political Development of New England by governmental power being ruled by shareholders who elected governor and his assistants. They elected John Winthrop as a governor who leads the Puritans of the church, also led to the new developments in New England as he served over a decade. Due to Winthrop, the colonies had laws in which followed the Puritan codes. Anyone who went against the codes would face major consequences an example of this would be “Roger Williams,’ ” A Plea For Religious Liberty,’’ 1644.” in which he was banished for arguing that Massachusetts should have religious tolerance. John Winthrop wanted everyone to be “knit together” in which the example of “John Winthrop, ‘ “A Modell Of Christian Charity,” ‘ 1630.” which creates the social development of people working together to become a better community.
Social Developments based on Puritans created a high population, large communities, advantage to education and close-knit families. For example, compact settlements would create a high population in which farmers lived in towns instead of the land they farmed. In the “Town Map, Colonial New England” it shows that the church occupied a central position which allowed for close monitoring of behaviors to promote conformity. The importance of education in “A statement about education in New England, 1643” is an example and what led to the first university, Harvard.
With having an education there came Economic Developments like enterprise and taxes in the colonies. For example, they created Massachusetts Bay Company as a form of enterprise. They sold shares to raise funds and taxed colonists to support the church. Also, family farms, fishing, forestry, and trade were the center of commerce and created prosperity.
In conclusion, the Puritans had a great influence on the way the New England colonies developments and how they created a theocracy as they created a better community for themselves.