John Winthrop
By: Jessica Moore, Taniya Kalathara, Kyle Zatyko
Background
- John Winthrop was born in England on January 12th, 1588.
- He was an English Puritan lawyer who was born to a religious family of the Puritan Reformist Church.
- Son of the wealthy Adam Winthrop, a man successful in the textile business and a lawyer/prosperous landowner, and Anne Winthrop.
- Winthrop married four times and had many children including John Winthrop Jr., who became governor of Colonial Connecticut.
Political Affiliations
- John Winthrop ran a theocratic government where he was governor, as well as the head of the Church.
- Had political affiliations and loyalties toward Non-Separatist Puritans with hopes that the Puritans would establish a religious community, unlike England.
Contribution to colonial America
- First governor of Massachusetts and was elected 12 times.
- Visioned the colonists of Massachusetts to be in unity with god and each other.
- Ruled as head of state and church for puritan Massachusetts, and decisions affected both.
- He established towns to be tightly organized with their own church and saint.
- When dissent grew against him, many colonists left the state and founded Connecticut.
Integrity
-Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Demonstration:
Based on his religious beliefs he strived to create a Holy community.
He believed religion and government should be one and achieved that goal by becoming head of state and church.
- It was very important to him that people should honor their duties and obligations.
John Winthrop and the Massachusetts Bay Colony
Citizenship
-The state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen.
Demonstration:
As elected governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629, he was involved in and opposed King Charles I oppression of the non conformist religious thought.
- He cared about other citizens opinions and preferred compromise over forcing others to his opinion.
- Helped colonist construct and organize towns along the Massachusetts Bay and the Charles River.