Puritan Influence

Definition

Puritan influence refers to the impact of the Puritan religious movement on various aspects of life, including education, culture, and society in the New England Colonies during the 17th century. This influence was characterized by a focus on moral rigor, community responsibility, and the importance of literacy for understanding scripture, leading to the establishment of a formal education system aimed at fostering these values among colonists.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Puritans believed that reading the Bible was essential for salvation, which drove their emphasis on literacy and education within their communities.
2. The establishment of town schools in New England was a direct result of Puritan influence, as they sought to educate children to read scripture and uphold moral standards.
3. In 1647, the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed the Old Deluder Satan Act, which mandated towns to establish schools, reflecting the Puritan commitment to education as a defense against ignorance.
4. The Puritan work ethic promoted the idea that hard work and discipline were signs of a person's faith, which influenced educational philosophies focusing on diligence and moral character.
5. The focus on communal responsibility and governance within Puritan communities led to a participatory approach in local decision-making, further intertwining education with civic duties.

Review Questions

• How did the Puritan emphasis on literacy shape the educational practices in the New England Colonies?
  • The Puritan emphasis on literacy stemmed from their belief that understanding the Bible was crucial for salvation. This conviction led to a strong focus on education, resulting in the establishment of schools where children were taught to read. By promoting literacy as essential for religious understanding, Puritans created a culture where education was highly valued and integral to community life.
• Evaluate the significance of the Old Deluder Satan Act in relation to Puritan educational reforms.
  • The Old Deluder Satan Act of 1647 was significant as it mandated towns in Massachusetts to create schools to ensure that children could read and interpret scripture. This law demonstrated how deeply rooted Puritan beliefs were in shaping public policy regarding education. It reflected their view that ignorance was akin to being vulnerable to Satan's influence, thereby reinforcing their commitment to an educated populace as a safeguard against moral decay.
• Analyze how Puritan values influenced not just education but also broader societal norms in the New England Colonies.
  • Puritan values influenced societal norms by promoting a lifestyle centered around hard work, moral integrity, and communal responsibility. Their belief that individuals should contribute positively to society shaped not only educational practices but also governance and community interactions. These values fostered a sense of collective identity among colonists, leading to strict social codes and laws that aimed to uphold their religious ideals while reinforcing a unified community structure.

Related terms

Massachusetts Bay Colony: A key settlement established by Puritans in 1630 that became a model for theocratic governance and community life, influencing educational practices.

Blue Laws: Laws designed to enforce religious standards and morality in colonial life, reflecting Puritan values in governance and societal expectations.

Harvard College:

The first institution of higher education in America, founded in 1636 by Puritans to train clergy and promote literacy among the population.