New England Colonies Discovered
1600
Settling New England
In 1628, the Puritans got a charter from the king of England to start the Massachusetts Colony. The leaders of the Puritans were strict and didn't tolerate dissent, or disagreement. Anne Hutchinson questioned the teaching and she got charged with sedition. It was common for the leaders to expel people who disagreed with them. Roger Williams was one of the people who was forced to leave. John Winthrop founded Massachusetts Bay and hoped the colony would be seen by others by a example of a christian living. Also David Thomson founded New Hampshire and started a fishing settlement near the mouth of the river.
Life in New England
The Puritans believed that praying is the best way to worship God. In New England indentured servants, woman, and African Slaves were not allowed to participate in voting. People who missed church were scolded. In town meetings they discussed government business. they elected people to public office. The Puritans would barter for goods and services. Everyone shared a common which was used for grazing cattle and sheep. In 1636, Puritans founded Harvard College to train ministers.
New England's Economy
New England developed a freemarket economy which people could compete in business and put thier own prices. Region's industries inclued logging and fishing. The logs were used to produce naval stores. Trade was very important to the economy. People exported grain, fur, whale oil, and other products. Most imports were english made.