Background
The first English settlers arriving in Massachusetts established their settlement at Plymouth in 1620, immediately developing healthy relationships with the Wampanoags. Following Jamestown, Plymouth was the second successful English settlement in the New World.The Massachusetts Bay Colony was granted a charter in 1629 from King Charles I to trade and colonize in New England between the Merrimack and Charles River. However, the management and charter were moved to Massachusetts without the King's knowledge. One year later, in 1630, Massachusetts was settled and founded by a group of 1,000 Puritans under the power of Governor John Winthrop. In 1691, a new charter merged the Plymouth and Maine into the Massachusetts Bay Colony, defining it as a royal colony. Religious freedom was sought, which later turned sour. The Puritans had also founded Massachusetts to obtain their sense of identity and culture. Agriculture and manufacturing seemed prominent to the new settlers as well. Among all of the principal settlements, Plymouth proved to be of great importance. Not only was it the site of the first Thanksgiving Feast, but it was where New England was first established. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was stationed on the east coast of North America, near present-day Salem and Boston.
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People
John Winthrop and William Phips can be credited with contributing to Massachusetts Bay Colony. John Winthrop was born on January 12, 1588 and was the founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a strict Puritan and the first known governor for Massachusetts. Winthrop's goal was to have a Utopian society, but he ultimately died on March 26, 1649 before that happened. William Phips was a hunter and military leader who traveled to Massachusetts Bay. He was most known for his association with the Salem Witch Trials.
Religious Affiliations & Implications
Although religious freedom was one of the main goals in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, an increase in power turned things upside down. A theocratic government was created by the Puritans and all franchise and power were strictly limited to members of the church. Religious independence was looked down upon and strongly discouraged by Winthrop and his followers. Because of this, many of those with contrasting religious beliefs, like Roger Williams, Ann Hutchinson, even Quakers and Anabaptists, were banished. This led to tensions between questionable "believers" and Puritans. Eventually, some would leave to found new colonies that were tolerant to religious diversity.
Economics
Fish, timber, ship building, and alcohol production kept the economy up and thriving. The economy of most of the thirteen colonies was similar due to the lack of supplies.
Primary Source
John Winthrop, founder of the Massachusetts colony, appreciatively writes in a letter to Nathaniel Rich (a worthy sir) in order to explain life in Boston as well as express his thanks for the good blessings that came with moving to the New World.
Modern Connections
Boston is a city in Massachusetts that remains a primary city that is bustling and full of historical evidence that connects the past to the present. Another connection includes the climate of Plymouth that remains cold and rocky .