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Founding the City Upon a Hill: A Historical Examination of the Puritans' Vision for America

José Martí

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Published in John Winthrop: Founding The City Upon A Hill (Routledge Historical Americans)

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The Puritan movement, which originated in England in the 16th century, was a religious and social reform movement that sought to purify the Church of England and establish a new society based on biblical principles. The Puritans believed that they were chosen by God to be a "city upon a hill," a shining example of a Christian community for the rest of the world to follow. This vision of America as a godly nation has had a profound impact on the country's history and culture.

The Puritan Migration to America

In the early 17th century, a group of English Puritans led by William Bradford and William Brewster fled religious persecution in England and established the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. These Pilgrims, as they were known, were seeking a place where they could practice their religion freely. They believed that God had called them to create a new community in America that would be a model for the rest of the world.

John Winthrop: Founding the City Upon a Hill (Routledge Historical Americans)

by Michael Parker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	930 KB
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Print length	:	222 pages

Over the next few decades, thousands of other Puritans migrated to America, fleeing religious persecution and seeking a new life in the New World. They established colonies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. These Puritan colonies became known as New England.

The Puritan Vision for America

The Puritans believed that America was a new Eden, a land where they could create a perfect society based on the principles of the Bible. They saw themselves as God's chosen people, and they believed that their mission was to establish a "city upon a hill," a shining example of a Christian community for the rest of the world to follow.

The Puritans believed that the Bible was the only true source of authority, and they sought to base all aspects of their society on its teachings. They established laws and customs that were designed to promote morality and righteousness. They also founded schools and colleges to educate their children in the ways of the Lord.

The Puritan Legacy

The Puritan vision for America has had a profound impact on the country's history and culture. The Puritans' belief in the importance of education, morality, and hard work helped to shape the American character. Their commitment to religious freedom and self-government laid the foundation for the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States.

The Puritan legacy can also be seen in the many institutions and traditions that they established. The Harvard College, Yale University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology were all founded by Puritans. The Puritan Sabbath, which prohibits work and recreation on Sundays, is still observed by many Americans today.

The Puritan vision for America was a complex and ambitious one. They sought to create a society that was both godly and prosperous, a place where all people could live in peace and harmony. Although their vision was not fully realized, the Puritans left a lasting legacy that continues to shape American society today.

Image Credits

* Image of the Plymouth Colony: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plymouth_Colony_1620.jpg * Image of the Puritan church: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Puritan_church.jpg * Image of the Harvard College: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harvard_College_Old_Yard.jpg

John Winthrop: Founding the City Upon a Hill (Routledge Historical Americans)

by Michael Parker

4.5 out of 5