Changes

American history can be broken into about 20 time periods:

American history can be broken into about 20 time periods:

* settlement by paleo-indians

* settlement by Native Americans

* discovery by Europeans, exploration by Europeans and settlement by Europeans

* discovery by Europeans, exploration by Europeans and settlement by Europeans

* colonial

* colonial

Who is going to pay for exploration and settlement?  Kings.  Investors.  Do-gooders.  Churches.  Mostly nobody.

Who is going to pay for exploration and settlement?  Kings.  Investors.  Do-gooders.  Churches.  Mostly nobody.

<br><br>

<br><br>

Who is going to do the hard labor needed to set up a new community, such as chopping down trees, working the farms, constructing the buildings?  There is almost no money to pay anyone for the work.  Families might do some, but before long slavery develops as a form of labor.  Another form of labor less objectionable than slavery wa the use of [[indentured servants]], who were people who promised to work for free for seven (7) years in exchange for free transportation to the New World, free food and housing while there, and complete freedom after seven years.

Who is going to do the hard labor needed to set up a new community, such as chopping down trees, working the farms, constructing the buildings?  There is almost no money to pay anyone for the work.  Families might do some, but before long slavery develops as a form of labor.  Another form of labor less objectionable than slavery wa the use of [[indentured servants]], who were people who promised to work for free for seven (7) years in exchange for free transportation to the New World, free food and housing while there, and complete freedom (and maybe some land) after seven years.

<br><br>

<br><br>

In learning history, it helps to look for unifying themes to organize events in your mind.  One theme that helps explain American history well is the overall expansion of Christianity, for 2000 years.  Why did [[Christopher Columbus]] and other explorers risk their lives to come to the New World?  To spread Christianity.  Why did families then risk their lives to settle here?  To establish religious communities free of persecution.  Two hundred years later, why did Massachusetts prohibit slavery and why did abolitionists President [[John Quincy Adams]] devote their lives to ending slavery?  One reason is because their religious values told them slavery was wrong.

In learning history, it helps to look for unifying themes to organize events in your mind.  One theme that helps explain American history well is the overall expansion of Christianity, for 2000 years.  Why did [[Christopher Columbus]] and other explorers risk their lives to come to the New World?  To spread Christianity.  Why did families then risk their lives to settle here?  To establish religious communities free of persecution.  Two hundred years later, why did Massachusetts prohibit slavery and why did abolitionists President [[John Quincy Adams]] devote their lives to ending slavery?  One reason is because their religious values told them slavery was wrong.

Regardless, by the end of this course, you will be able to hear an event and describe what was going on at that time.  You will be able to tell me what happened before the event, and what happened afterwards.

Regardless, by the end of this course, you will be able to hear an event and describe what was going on at that time.  You will be able to tell me what happened before the event, and what happened afterwards.

<br><br>

<br><br>

Don’t try to memorize hundreds of dates.  Instead, when you see a date, think what happened before and after it.  There are only about ten dates that you need to know.  All other dates, such as those in the event list, are there just for the purpose of ordering events.  For example, no one will ask you when Georgia was founded as a colony.  But you may be asked whether it was the first or last colony founded.  (It was the last colony established.)  Another example:  [[Quebec]] was founded in 1608.  Don’t remember the 1608, but remember that Quebec was founded one year after [[Jamestown]] was established (1607 – one of the few dates you should memorize!)

Don’t try to memorize hundreds of dates.  Instead, when you see a date, think what happened before and after it.  There are only about ten dates that you need to know.  All other dates, such as those in the event list, are there just for the purpose of ordering events.  For example, no one will ask you when Georgia was founded as a colony.  But you may be asked whether it was the first or last colony founded.  (It was the last colony established.)  Another example:  [[Quebec]] was founded in 1608.  Don't remember the 1608 date, but remember that Quebec was founded one year after [[Jamestown]] was established (1607 – one of the few dates you should memorize!)

== Pre-Columbian Period ==

== Pre-Columbian Period ==

The first settlers in America were paleo-indian peoples.  Their origin is not known.  Some claim they migrated from Asia, but that makes little sense because American Indians are very different in many ways from Chinese and Asian Indians.  Even their blood types are typically different.   

The first settlers in America were Native Americans, or American Indians.  Their origin is not known.  Some claim they migrated from Asia, but that makes little sense because American Indians are very different in many ways from Chinese and Asian Indians.  Even their blood types are typically different.   

Some old mounds reflecting Indian settlements in America have been discovered, such as the Adena burial mounds and Mississippian platform towns.<ref>Melissa L. Meyer, Dean R. Snow, Charles L. Cohen, Russell Thornton, Donald A. Grinde Jr., Leah Dilworth "Indian History and Culture"  The Oxford Companion to United States History. Paul S. Boyer, ed. Oxford University Press 2001. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.  University of Tampa.  4 August 2008  <http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t119.e0758-s0002></ref>  For example, the [[Cahokia Mounds]] in Southern Illinois (just east of [[St. Louis]]) reflect an Indian community dating back as early as A.D. 1000 or 1100.<ref>http://www.cahokiamounds.com/mystery_01.html</ref>  That community practiced human sacrifice, as did the [[Aztecs]] and [[Mayans]] in [[Mesoamerica]] (Mexico and Central America) and the [[Incas]] in [[South America]] prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquerors.

Some old mounds reflecting Indian settlements in America have been discovered, such as the Adena burial mounds and Mississippian platform towns.<ref>Melissa L. Meyer, Dean R. Snow, Charles L. Cohen, Russell Thornton, Donald A. Grinde Jr., Leah Dilworth "Indian History and Culture"  The Oxford Companion to United States History. Paul S. Boyer, ed. Oxford University Press 2001. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press.  University of Tampa.  4 August 2008  <http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t119.e0758-s0002></ref>  For example, the [[Cahokia Mounds]] in Southern Illinois (just east of [[St. Louis]]) reflect an Indian community dating back as early as A.D. 1000 or 1100.<ref>http://www.cahokiamounds.com/mystery_01.html</ref>  That community practiced human sacrifice, as did the [[Aztecs]] and [[Mayans]] in [[Mesoamerica]] (Mexico and Central America) and the [[Incas]] in [[South America]] prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquerors.

The American Indians, also called Native Americans, were [[nomads]] who traveled across wide areas.  They did not read and write, and they lacked a monetary system.  They were organized by tribes and some had simple forms of government.  There was the [[Iroquois Confederacy]] that united some, but typically there was a lack of unity that led to their easy defeat by Europeans.  The Indians did introduce [[tobacco]] and [[corn]] to Europeans, and they became widely popular back in Europe.

The American Indians were [[nomads]] who traveled across wide areas.  They did not read and write, and they lacked a monetary system.  They were organized by tribes and some had simple forms of government.  There was the [[Iroquois Confederacy]] that united some, but typically there was a lack of unity that led to their easy defeat by Europeans.  The Indians did introduce [[tobacco]] and [[corn]] to Europeans, and they became widely popular back in Europe.

Textbooks written after 1970 began claiming that around A.D. 1000, the Scandinavian [[Leif Ericson]] established a small colony at [[Vinland]], where the present [[Newfoundland]] is (north of Maine).  But there is very little evidence that such a colony existed, and no explanation for what happened to it.  It did not last long even if it did exist, and there is no sign of any Viking colony in what is now the United States.<ref>"People have been looking hard for hundreds of years and there is no archaeological evidence in this part [New England]— it's certainly possible, the Vikings were incredible boat handlers — '''but there is no evidence'''," observed one university history professor.[http://farshores.org/a04viki.htm]</ref>.

Textbooks written after 1970 began claiming that around A.D. 1000, the Scandinavian [[Leif Ericson]] established a small colony at [[Vinland]], where the present [[Newfoundland]] is (north of Maine).  But there is very little evidence that such a colony existed, and no explanation for what happened to it.  It did not last long even if it did exist, and there is no sign of any Viking colony in what is now the United States.<ref>"People have been looking hard for hundreds of years and there is no archaeological evidence in this part [New England]— it's certainly possible, the Vikings were incredible boat handlers — '''but there is no evidence'''," observed one university history professor.[http://farshores.org/a04viki.htm]</ref>.

== Exploration (Columbian Period) ==

== Exploration (Columbian Period) ==

Starting in the Middle Ages, Christian Europe began to use its knowledge, wealth and [[faith]] to extend beyond its horizons.  Christian Europeans fought the Holy [[Crusades]] from 1095 to 1291 to protect pilgrims to [[Jerusalem]] against Moslem attacks.  Some Europeans were motivated to spread the [[Gospel]].  Others were motivated by a desire to increase their wealth, such as by finding gold.  Since [[Ancient Greece]] it was known that the world was round, and that it should be possible to reach the Orient by traveling West '''''around''''' the world.  Ironically, it was the very knowledge of the Earth's circumference that deterred a westward passage - the distance to the Orient in that direction was beyond the open-water range of ships in that period.  Also, steamships did not exist yet; these ships relied on sailing to reach their destination, and wind patterns did not always cooperate.   

Starting in the Middle Ages, Christian Europe began to use its knowledge, wealth and [[faith]] to extend beyond its horizons.  Christian Europeans fought the Holy [[Crusades]] from 1095 to 1291 to protect pilgrims to [[Jerusalem]] against Muslim attacks.  Some Europeans were motivated to spread the [[Gospel]].  Others were motivated by a desire to increase their wealth, such as by finding gold.  Since [[Ancient Greece]] it was known that the world was round, and that it should be possible to reach the Orient by traveling West '''''around''''' the world.  Ironically, it was the very knowledge of the Earth's circumference that deterred a westward passage - the distance to the Orient in that direction was beyond the open-water range of ships in that period.  Also, steamships did not exist yet; these ships relied on sailing to reach their destination, and wind patterns did not always cooperate.   

<br><br>

<br><br>

But centuries passed before one man inspired by the Christian [[faith]] was determined to change the world of his time.  By the young age of 10 the Italian [[Christopher Columbus]] was working at sea, already on his way to becoming a master navigator and mariner.  He learned the patterns of the Atlantic trade winds, and their ability to carry sailing vessels across vast distances both eastward and westward before one's provisions would run out.  With the charts he developed, he was certain he could reach Asia on a westbound route more efficiently than others could.

But centuries passed before one man inspired by the Christian [[faith]] was determined to change the world of his time.  By the young age of 10 the Italian [[Christopher Columbus]] was working at sea, already on his way to becoming a master navigator and mariner.  He learned the patterns of the Atlantic trade winds, and their ability to carry sailing vessels across vast distances both eastward and westward before one's provisions would run out.  With the charts he developed, he was certain he could reach Asia on a westbound route more efficiently than others could.

Columbus was not only a devout Christian, but an enterprising capitalist.  He used his hard-earned knowledge of the Atlantic trade winds and the navigational edge they gave him to secure funding for his venture from Spain on terms that gave him 10% of any riches discovered:  The contract he signed with the Spanish Monarchy, known as the Capitulations of Santa Fe, named him Admiral of the Atlantic Ocean, Viceroy and Governor of all the new lands discovered, and gave him one-tenth of the profit from all of the discovered lands  (Spain later refused to honor the agreement, and Columbus never became wealthy).  Having secured his funding, Columbus assembled his ships and crew and set out in August of 1492 to reach the Orient.

Columbus was not only a devout Christian, but an enterprising capitalist.  He used his hard-earned knowledge of the Atlantic trade winds and the navigational edge they gave him to secure funding for his venture from Spain on terms that gave him 10% of any riches discovered:  The contract he signed with the Spanish Monarchy, known as the Capitulations of Santa Fe, named him Admiral of the Atlantic Ocean, Viceroy and Governor of all the new lands discovered, and gave him one-tenth of the profit from all of the discovered lands  (Spain later refused to honor the agreement, and Columbus never became wealthy).  Having secured his funding, Columbus assembled his ships and crew and set out in August of 1492 to reach the Orient.

<br><br>

<br><br>

So back to what Columbus did achieve.  He set sail in three ships, the first sighted land in late 1492. On Christmas eve, December 24, 1492, one of Columbus's ships, the [[Santa Maria]], reached the island of [[Haiti]].  Columbus named the settlement “La Navidad,” meaning “The Nativity,” and dropped off 40 men with a promise to return to them the next year.  Columbus then wrote to the King and Queen of Spain the following in his Journal:  “In all the world there can be no better or gentler people.  Your Highnesses should feel great joy, because presently they will be Christians, and instructed in the good manners of your realms.”

So back to what Columbus did achieve.  He set sail in three ships, the first sighted land in late 1492. On Christmas eve, December 24, 1492, one of Columbus's ships, the [[Santa Maria]], reached the island of [[Haiti]].  Columbus named the settlement "La Navidad," meaning "The Nativity," and dropped off 40 men with a promise to return to them the next year.  Columbus then wrote to the King and Queen of Spain the following in his Journal:  "In all the world there can be no better or gentler people.  Your Highnesses should feel great joy, because presently they will be Christians, and instructed in the good manners of your realms."

<br><br>

<br><br>

But he had grossly underestimated the size of the world, and when he reached San Salvador, Haiti (Hispaniola) and Cuba he thought he had reached the Far East.  So he called the natives Indians.  He left some men there but they were eventually killed by the natives.  Columbus reported back that new people had been found to evangelize with Christianity.

But he had grossly underestimated the size of the world, and when he reached San Salvador, Haiti (Hispaniola) and Cuba he thought he had reached the Far East.  So he called the natives Indians.  He left some men there but they were eventually killed by the natives.  Columbus reported back that new people had been found to evangelize with Christianity.

'''1607''' is one of the few dates you should memorize.  This was after the Spanish had settled in Florida, but before the French had settled in Quebec.  So remember the sequence in settling America:  Spanish, English, and then French.

'''1607''' is one of the few dates you should memorize.  This was after the Spanish had settled in Florida, but before the French had settled in Quebec.  So remember the sequence in settling America:  Spanish, English, and then French.

<br><br>

<br><br>

Initially, from 1607-1608, the Jamestown settlement lived under socialism, whereby the group shared its food with everyone no matter how much or little each person worked.  This economic system was a complete failure as no one had any incentive to do any work.  In September 1608, [[John Smith]] was elected president of the governing council.  He ruled for a year and installed a conservative economic system:  “don’t work, don’t eat!” Under this new system, food production increased and by 1614 there was plenty to eat.

Initially, from 1607-1608, the Jamestown settlement lived under socialism, whereby the group shared its food with everyone no matter how much or little each person worked.  This economic system was a complete failure as no one had any incentive to do any work.  In September 1608, [[John Smith]] was elected president of the governing council.  He ruled for a year and installed a conservative economic system:  "don't work, don’t eat!" Under this new system that replaced communism with free enterprise, food production increased and by 1614 there was plenty to eat.

<br><br>

<br><br>

But Jamestown settlers were there to find fortune, and there was not any gold or silver.  Indians had discovered tobacco and Europeans were beginning to become addicted on it.  Many Europeans recognized that tobacco was bad for them, and some wanted to prohibit it.  In 1613, Englishman [[John Rolfe]], who married the Indian [[Pocahontas]] in Virginia, began growing tobacco to export to Europe.  The King banned the growing of tobacco in England, so Rolfe had no competition.  Cash began pouring in for the tobacco, and this so-called “cash crop” became highly profitable for the Jamestown settlers.  Tobacco continued to be very profitable throughout a large part of American history, particularly in the south.

But Jamestown settlers were there to find fortune, and there was not any gold or silver.  Indians had discovered tobacco and Europeans were beginning to become addicted on it.  Many Europeans recognized that tobacco was bad for them, and some wanted to prohibit it.  In 1613, Englishman [[John Rolfe]], who married the Indian [[Pocahontas]] in Virginia, began growing tobacco to export to Europe.  The King banned the growing of tobacco in England, so Rolfe had no competition.  Cash began pouring in for the tobacco, and this so-called "cash crop" became highly profitable for the Jamestown settlers.  Tobacco continued to be very profitable throughout a large part of American history, particularly in the south.

<br><br>

<br><br>

Despite profiting from the sale of tobacco, the Jamestown settlement had other difficulties.  It had made peace with Indian [[Chief Powhatan]], whose daughter Pocahontas married settler [[John Rolfe]].  But after Powhatan died, his brother led a sudden attack on the settlers in 1622, massacring 357 out of a total of only 1200.

Despite profiting from the sale of tobacco, the Jamestown settlement had other difficulties.  It had made peace with Indian [[Chief Powhatan]], whose daughter Pocahontas married settler [[John Rolfe]].  But after Powhatan died, his brother led a sudden attack on the settlers in 1622, massacring 357 out of a total of only 1200.

But Indian strife was only one of many problems.  Labor was in short supply for working the fields.  Settlers began importing indentured servants, who received free travel to the colonies in exchange for a promise to work for seven years.  But Virginia also turned to a cheaper approach to labor: importing slaves from West Africa beginning in 1619 to work the crops.  But the importation of slaves to the New World was not new in 1619; many European countries had been importing a total of 40,000 slaves to the New World prior to the 1600's based on the Portuguese plantation system for working the land.

But Indian strife was only one of many problems.  Labor was in short supply for working the fields.  Settlers began importing indentured servants, who received free travel to the colonies in exchange for a promise to work for seven years.  But Virginia also turned to a cheaper approach to labor: importing slaves from West Africa beginning in 1619 to work the crops.  But the importation of slaves to the New World was not new in 1619; many European countries had been importing a total of 40,000 slaves to the New World prior to the 1600's based on the Portuguese plantation system for working the land.

<br><br>

<br><br>

In 1624 King James (of “King James Bible” fame) took back the Virginia colony and established it as a royal charter.  King James was left with a problem colony that enslaved workers and grew tobacco.  More trouble lay ahead, in 1676, Nathanial Bacon was a Virginia settler who decided to take the law into his own hands.  He first massacred Indians in western Virginia, then took his small army of rebels to Jamestown, where he burned it down because the governor had refused to allow him to kill the Indians.  Bacon himself soon died from a disease.  The governor returned and hung two dozen of his supporters.  This is known as [[Bacon's Rebellion]] and it resulted in less use of indentured servants and greater reliance on slaves, who could not rebel as easily.

In 1624 King James (of the "King James Bible" fame) took back the Virginia colony and established it as a royal charter.  King James was left with a problem colony that enslaved workers and grew tobacco.  More trouble lay ahead, in 1676, Nathanial Bacon was a Virginia settler who decided to take the law into his own hands.  He first massacred Indians in western Virginia, then took his small army of rebels to Jamestown, where he burned it down because the governor had refused to allow him to kill the Indians.  Bacon himself soon died from a disease.  The governor returned and hung two dozen of his supporters.  This is known as [[Bacon's Rebellion]] and it resulted in less use of indentured servants and greater reliance on slaves, who could not rebel as easily.

<br><br>

<br><br>

How Virginia produced four of our first five presidents is worth considering; you can ponder this and answer on the homework assignment.   

How Virginia produced four of our first five presidents is worth considering; you can ponder this and answer on the homework assignment.   

By then there were many other settlements in North America.  The most important were two settlements in Massachusetts, which has a much harsher climate than Virginia, particularly in the wintertime.  But their motivation was religious, not financial.  Puritans were unhappy with the direction of the Church of England, feeling it was too much like the Catholic Church.  Two different groups of Puritans set out for North America.  One group wanted to purify the Church of England by remaining in the Church but in a more perfect community.  The other group wanted to separate completely from the Church of England.  Both groups landed by chance within 100 miles of each other in Massachusetts.

By then there were many other settlements in North America.  The most important were two settlements in Massachusetts, which has a much harsher climate than Virginia, particularly in the wintertime.  But their motivation was religious, not financial.  Puritans were unhappy with the direction of the Church of England, feeling it was too much like the Catholic Church.  Two different groups of Puritans set out for North America.  One group wanted to purify the Church of England by remaining in the Church but in a more perfect community.  The other group wanted to separate completely from the Church of England.  Both groups landed by chance within 100 miles of each other in Massachusetts.

<br><br>

<br><br>

The first group, the “Pilgrims”, set sail from Plymouth, England and intended to land near the mouth of the Hudson River (now New York City), which was the northern part of the Virginia Company’s territory.  But their ship, the “Mayflower”, was blown off course and they landed up on Cape Cod in Massachusetts in 1620.  Outside of any official government, they decided on the boat to establish the first civil government in North America by signing the Mayflower Compact.  They landed in December, and half of the people died due to disease in their first New England winter.  But the following spring a friendly Indian introduced them to corn, or maize, the marvelous food discovered by Indians.  They had a plentiful harvest that fall, and celebrated their first Thanksgiving with the Indians that fall.  In 1623, their new Governor [[William Bradford]] gave every member a plot of land and allowed the free market to develop.  By 1624, the community was doing so well that it was actually making more food than it could consume and began exporting its corn.  [[William Bradford]] and [[Edward Winslow]] kept diaries during the settling of Plymouth, which are recorded in a small, but fascinating book called ''Mourt's Relation''.

The first group, the "Pilgrims", set sail from Plymouth, England and intended to land near the mouth of the Hudson River (now New York City), which was the northern part of the Virginia Company’s territory.  But their ship, the “Mayflower”, was blown off course and they landed up on Cape Cod in Massachusetts in 1620.  Outside of any official government, they decided on the boat to establish the first civil government in North America by signing the Mayflower Compact.  They landed in December, and half of the people died due to disease in their first New England winter.  But the following spring a friendly Indian introduced them to corn, or maize, the marvelous food discovered by Indians.  They had a plentiful harvest that fall, and celebrated their first Thanksgiving with the Indians that fall.  In 1623, their new Governor [[William Bradford]] gave every member a plot of land and allowed the free market to develop.  By 1624, the community was doing so well that it was actually making more food than it could consume and began exporting its corn.  [[William Bradford]] and [[Edward Winslow]] kept diaries during the settling of Plymouth, which are recorded in a small, but fascinating book called ''Mourt's Relation''.

<br><br>

<br><br>

Corn is a tremendous contribution by Indians to the world that increasingly sustains peoples worldwide.  Corn did not exist in Europe during the Middle Ages.  Cheap and easy to grow, corn has become one of the most popular foods worldwide, rivaling rice and soybeans.  For that we can thank the Indians.   

Corn is a tremendous contribution by Indians to the world that increasingly sustains peoples worldwide.  Corn did not exist in Europe during the Middle Ages.  Cheap and easy to grow, corn has become one of the most popular foods worldwide, rivaling rice and soybeans.  For that we can thank the Indians.   

Encouraged by the success of the Pilgrims, a new group called the [[Massachusetts Bay Company]] obtained a royal charter and sent a larger group of Puritans to settle in New England, though this time with the purpose of purifying the [[Church of England]] with a more perfect community than in England itself.  It was well-financed and led by the very capable [[John Winthrop]], who had been trained at Oxford.  It landed in Salem, Massachusetts in 1629 and immediately moved to Boston Harbor.  It never looked back, thriving almost immediately despite the harsh winter climate.  Within five years the [[Great Migration]] of religiously motivated settlers followed them from England.  Their numbers and power grew.  By the 1640s, the community was participating in robust trade by sea with England, the West Indies and on occasion West Africa.

Encouraged by the success of the Pilgrims, a new group called the [[Massachusetts Bay Company]] obtained a royal charter and sent a larger group of Puritans to settle in New England, though this time with the purpose of purifying the [[Church of England]] with a more perfect community than in England itself.  It was well-financed and led by the very capable [[John Winthrop]], who had been trained at Oxford.  It landed in Salem, Massachusetts in 1629 and immediately moved to Boston Harbor.  It never looked back, thriving almost immediately despite the harsh winter climate.  Within five years the [[Great Migration]] of religiously motivated settlers followed them from England.  Their numbers and power grew.  By the 1640s, the community was participating in robust trade by sea with England, the West Indies and on occasion West Africa.

<br><br>

<br><br>

What is a “colony”?  “Colony” defined:  “a body of people living in a new territory but retaining ties with the parent state.” (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

What is a "colony"?  A "colony" is defined as "a body of people living in a new territory but retaining ties with the parent state." (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

== The Colonies ==

== The Colonies ==

The stark contrast between Massachusetts and Virginia would ultimately lead, nearly 250 years later, to the Civil War.

The stark contrast between Massachusetts and Virginia would ultimately lead, nearly 250 years later, to the Civil War.

<br><br>

<br><br>

While the Virginia institution of slavery was spreading to the colonies of [[Maryland]], [[Carolina]] and, later, [[Georgia]], [[Massachusetts]] was spreading a different sort of institution: religious intensity.  [[Roger Williams]] was an extraordinary individual of such great faith that found even the Puritans lacking in their treatment of Indians.  Williams also disagreed with how the Puritans combined government and religion, and had even executed several Christians based on differences with the Puritan faith.  Williams was fabulous with languages and learned to communicate with many different Indian tribes, and even lived with them at times in spite of the danger.  He left the Puritans in Massachusetts and started the colony of Rhode Island, which to this day has prided itself on its independence.  Rhode Island was the only state to refuse to support a colonial tax on imports after the Revolution, and the only colony to refuse to ratify the Constitution until long after [[George Washington]] was President.  Rhode Island, under Roger Williams’ direction, separated state government from religion.  No mandatory church attendance, and no funding of churches with tax revenues were allowed in Rhode Island.   

While the Virginia institution of slavery was spreading to the colonies of [[Maryland]], [[Carolina]] and, later, [[Georgia]], [[Massachusetts]] was spreading a different sort of institution: religious intensity.  [[Roger Williams]] was an extraordinary individual of such great faith that found even the Puritans lacking in their treatment of Indians.  Williams also disagreed with how the Puritans combined government and religion, and had even executed several Christians based on differences with the Puritan faith.  Williams was fabulous with languages and learned to communicate with many different Indian tribes, and even lived with them at times in spite of the danger.  He left the Puritans in Massachusetts and started the colony of Rhode Island, which to this day has prided itself on its independence.  Rhode Island was the only state to refuse to support a colonial tax on imports after the Revolution, and the only colony to refuse to ratify the Constitution until long after [[George Washington]] was President.  Rhode Island, under Roger Williams' direction, separated state government from religion.  No mandatory church attendance, and no funding of churches with tax revenues were allowed in Rhode Island.   

<br><br>

<br><br>

But while Roger Williams was highly moral, others in Rhode Island made it the biggest importer of slaves in all the colonies.  So censoring religion may have a price.  In contrast, in the larger Massachusetts, taxes funded religious institutions for nearly 200 years, until at least the 1830s.  It successfully prohibited slavery.  Another devout Christian who disagreed with the Puritans, was tried by them in 1636 for emphasizing "grace" rather than "works", and then fled, was named [[Anne Hutchinson]].  She escaped the Puritans but was later killed by Indians.  Religious persecution continued in Massachusetts in the mid-1600s: the Baptists were banished in 1651, and the Quakers were expelled or, when they remained or returned, they were hung.

But while Roger Williams was highly moral, others in Rhode Island made it the biggest importer of slaves in all the colonies.  So censoring religion may have a price.  In contrast, in the larger Massachusetts, taxes funded religious institutions for nearly 200 years, until at least the 1830s.  It successfully prohibited slavery.  Another devout Christian who disagreed with the Puritans, was tried by them in 1636 for emphasizing "grace" rather than "works", and then fled, was named [[Anne Hutchinson]].  She escaped the Puritans but was later killed by Indians.  Religious persecution continued in Massachusetts in the mid-1600s: the Baptists were banished in 1651, and the Quakers were expelled or, when they remained or returned, they were hung.

'''Debate:  were the Puritans right to be strict and to expel people of other religions?'''

'''Debate:  were the Puritans right to be strict and to expel people of other religions?'''

<br><br>

<br><br>

One prominent text claims, under “Rhode Island,” that “This belief [by Roger Williams] in the separation of church and state became a cornerstone of the American Constitution in 1787.” That is completely false.  Roger Williams was long dead by 1787, and there is no separation of church and state in the Constitution.  Rhode Island did not even send any representatives to draft the Constitution and it had no role in the drafting of the Bill of Rights.  In fact, Rhode Island did not ratify the Constitution until after George Washington was elected president, and even then it took much arm-twisting to compel Rhode Island to ratify the Constitution.  But some people want to keep religion out of government, and they refuse to admit that the First Amendment only prohibits the establishment of a national church by the government.  Rhode Island was the only colony that supported a "separation" of church and state.

One prominent text claims, under "Rhode Island," that "This belief [by Roger Williams] in the separation of church and state became a cornerstone of the American Constitution in 1787." That is completely false.  Roger Williams was long dead by 1787, and there is no separation of church and state in the Constitution.  Rhode Island did not even send any representatives to draft the Constitution and it had no role in the drafting of the Bill of Rights.  In fact, Rhode Island did not ratify the Constitution until after George Washington was elected president, and even then it took much arm-twisting to compel Rhode Island to ratify the Constitution.  But some people want to keep religion out of government, and they refuse to admit that the First Amendment only prohibits the establishment of a national church by the government.  Rhode Island was the only colony that supported a "separation" of church and state.

<br><br>

<br><br>

In between Massachusetts and Virginia there was a third approach:  that taken by Pennsylvania.  William Penn was another extraordinary Englishman.  He converted to become a Quaker in England and began practicing that religion in violation of English law.  He was arrested and prosecuted, but the jury refused to convict him.  The king owed his father money, and gave the son what is today Pennsylvania.  It was nothing but woods at the time.  But William Penn founded his colony based on one principle:  religious freedom for all.  He advertised in Europe and attracted peoples of many nationalities in addition to the English.   

In between Massachusetts and Virginia there was a third approach:  that taken by Pennsylvania.  William Penn was another extraordinary Englishman.  He converted to become a Quaker in England and began practicing that religion in violation of English law.  He was arrested and prosecuted, but the jury refused to convict him.  The king owed his father money, and gave the son what is today Pennsylvania.  It was nothing but woods at the time.  But William Penn founded his colony based on one principle:  religious freedom for all.  He advertised in Europe and attracted peoples of many nationalities in addition to the English.   

<br><br>

<br><br>

Penn was very kind to the Indians and soon had the most popular colony in America.  Philadelphia became America’s greatest city, surpassing Boston in population in the 1700s.  Only Pennsylvania and Maryland survived in the long-term under private ownership.  Virtually all the other colonies were eventually taken over by the King of England, often due to troubles that arose in the colony.

Penn was very kind to the Indians and soon had the most popular colony in America.  Philadelphia became America's greatest city, surpassing Boston in population in the 1700s.  Only Pennsylvania and Maryland survived in the long-term under private ownership.  Virtually all the other colonies were eventually taken over by the King of England, often due to troubles that arose in the colony.

<br><br>

<br><br>

There were other colonies.  Pennsylvania was founded over 50 years *after* Virginia and Massachusetts.  Georgia was founded over 50 *years* after Pennsylvania, which means over 100 years after Virginia and Massachusetts.  Philanthropist [[James Oglethorpe]] founded Savannah in Georgia in 1733 for poor debtors in jails of England.  Also a buffer colony was created between South Carolina and Spanish Florida.  Oglethorpe was very religious and very strict.  Too strict for the King, who took over the colony in 1751.  The colony was not nearly as strong and developed as the other colonies, so the other colonies did not take it very seriously.

There were other colonies.  Pennsylvania was founded over 50 years *after* Virginia and Massachusetts.  Georgia was founded over 50 *years* after Pennsylvania, which means over 100 years after Virginia and Massachusetts.  Philanthropist [[James Oglethorpe]] founded Savannah in Georgia in 1733 for poor debtors in jails of England.  Also a buffer colony was created between South Carolina and Spanish Florida.  Oglethorpe was very religious and very strict.  Too strict for the King, who took over the colony in 1751.  The colony was not nearly as strong and developed as the other colonies, so the other colonies did not take it very seriously.

== References ==

== References ==

<references/>

<references/>

== See also ==

== See also ==

* [[American History Homework One]]

* [[American History Homework One]]

[[Category:United States History]]

[[Category:United States History]]