Puritans

Puritans were English Protestants who wanted to “purify” the Church of England. Many Puritans came to New England in the 1600s hoping to build communities based on their religious beliefs. In colonies such as Massachusetts Bay, church leaders had strong influence over government. Puritan towns were close-knit, and families worked together to farm, fish, and trade. Puritans valued education because they wanted people to read the Bible, and they created schools and colleges. However, Puritan leaders often did not allow different religious ideas. People who disagreed could be punished, fined, or even banished. Puritans believed that order and obedience were important for a healthy community, so they enforced strict rules about behavior, worship, and daily life. Their culture shaped New England’s early government and society.

Quakers

Quakers, also called the Religious Society of Friends, were a Christian group that began in England. Quakers believed that every person could feel God’s guidance directly through an “inner light.” Because of this belief, they did not rely on formal church leaders in the same way many other groups did. Quakers were known for simple worship and for treating people with respect. Many Quakers were persecuted in England and in some colonies. In the late 1600s, a Quaker leader received a charter for Pennsylvania, which became a place known for religious tolerance. Quakers often tried to solve conflicts peacefully and supported fair treatment of others, including Native Americans. Their communities valued honesty, hard work, and equal dignity, and they welcomed people with many different backgrounds and beliefs.