The Puritan Dilemma Sparknotes

688 Words2 Pages

Throughout the book of “The Puritan Dilemma”, Mr. Morgan talks about John Winthrop, born during the “year when English sailors defeated the Spanish Armada . . .” (Morgan 1). Also father to Adam Winthrop. While reading the book Morgan explains Winthrop’s personality and life history, like the settling of New England and the events that happened between 1630 and 1640. I found it hard to follow the book because of the different views but contained a lot of information, such as the when and why of early Massachusetts. Morgan does a great job in explain Winthrop as a “mediator and compromiser” and that his (Winthrop) positions are believed to understandable and necessary.
The book starts out with the childhood of john in New England where he inherited …show more content…

Then when spring rolled around he started governing by setting maximum wages for laborers. His governing was described as a pragmatic compromise and he had problems negotiating the issues presented by the separatists. In 1603 Winthrop and other members of the Bay Company met to decide on the future of the Massachusetts government. The charter instructed the “members, known as the “”freeman,” were to meet fourtimes a year in a “”Great and General Court,” to make laws for both company and colony,” (Morgan 78). And “once a year at one of those courts, they would elect a governor, a deputy governor, and eighteen “”assistants””. (Morgan 78)
In 1632 at a meeting, Winthrop was attacked by a man of the name Thomas Dudley who was dissatisfied with the leniency that John had, which was dissatsifing to others as well. The reason for the attack was Dudley was trying to force acknowledgement into John that” charter was the basis of government.” (historicalbookreview.com) then two years later in may 1634. “Winthrop was rebuked by being reduced to the rank of assistant. In his place as governor they chose Thomas Dudley.”( Morgan

Open Document