Compare And Contrast The New England Colonies

During the early 1600, Puritans came to the New World for Holland- many of which wanted to break away from the Church of England. These pilgrims who departed from the church were known as Separatist. In the New World, the New England colony decided to create their own social, economic, and political systems and communities which centered around their ideal Christian lifestyle.

The political and spiritual leadership from John Winthrop led the colony to grow and succeed (US History: The New England Colonies). When leaving to voyage to Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower Compact, a document to establish democratic government in America, was established to form “Covenant Communities”. In these charters or royal governments, they had a governor, governor’s court, and court system (Land of the Brave: New England Colonies). Royal charters directly ruled by English monarchs were used to form the Massachusetts Bay

Colony in 1629. This colony was used to encourage trading organizations and theocracy, a government run by religious officials who would enforce religious principles (Facing History: Religion in Colonial America: Trends, Regulations, and Beliefs). By the heavy emphasis of religion in the colony- from government to leadership- many persecutions and proclamations occured to keep society functioning correctly.

Socially, religion determined status in the New England colony. Puritans judged other pilgrims as evil or “not of the faith” if they seemed to challenge the church. These judgements caused for strict laws, in which many were banished or put to trial for their actions. Examples of these dissenters are Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams. As a Puritan spiritual advisor, Hutchinson held religious gatherings independently and refused to follow rules of worship by the Puritan leaders who governed the colony, which ultimately led to her banishment from the Massachusetts Bay (History.com: Anne Hutchinson). Roger Williams was a Puritan theologian who was expelled by local officials because he seemed to be spreading “new and dangerous” ideas to his congregants (Wikipedia: Roger WIlliams). These two cases alone show that the Massachusetts Bay Colony was very strict with their religious standards, for anything that produced or demonstrated suspicion led to exilation. Even though many may have appeared harsh on colonist, their friendly relations with the Natives led to a promising, prospering, colony.

Compared to the Middle Colonies, there are many differences and similarities.

Both groups of pilgrims came to the New World for religious purposes, however, the Middle Colony area was much more liberal and accepting. In 1681, in Pennsylvania, under the leadership of WIlliam Penn, unique opportunities were created, for new religious groups were established and women were allowed in government. The New England colonies were much more strict; everyone was watched, judged, and expected to fulfil religious expectations. In the New England colony, the people in power and of higher status were allowed to set expectations of moral behavior, unlike the Middle Colonies where the social structure was very flexible. The Middle Colonies and New England colony also had many connections such as utilizing the sea for ports or trade, and also making use of nature for fertile soil, farming, and lumber.The clear, external differences between the two colonies may divide them, however, their main driven objectives and religious ideologies link them together to both succeed as

colonies.
Overall, the New England colony thrived in the New World due to social, political, and economic factors. With the strict leadership provided by Winthrop and devoted trust in the church and God, this colony prospered and powered over other colonies who couldn’t endure America. Like the picture below, the Separatist remained together; their link was Christianity, their faith was in God, and their unity was created through following His road to success, despite any and all odds.