Five documents that examine a range of reactions to colonial rebellion and associated resistance to royal authority in English colonies in Barbados, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

For a variety of reasons, those who came to settle the early colonies sought a new homeland. Puritans, for example, established several settlements in Massachusetts. These English colonists were a pious, self-disciplined people who...

A brief look at slavery in the New England colonies and the influence that might have had on the Salem witch scare.

America was not always the "Land of Liberty." In the 1630s, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, questioning Puritan dogma could bring you a world of trouble. It could get you shunned, it could get you ex-communicated, it could even get you...

This interesting encyclopedia entry tells about Paul Cuffe, a black abolitionist and philanthropist who attempted to form a colony in Africa for freed slaves.

Biographical information and details about the themes and style of Bradstreet's poetry. Includes quotations from her poem "To My Dear and Loving Husband."

A set of primary documents that reflect the Mayflower, Plymouth, Puritans, the first Thanksgiving, and legislation for the holiday.

This site from the Memorial Hall Museum provides curricula, information and activities for teachers teaching social studies.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum provides a well-done, comprehensive site that includes all aspects of American whaling. This site is a pleasure to amble through if you love the lore and legend of late eighteenth-century sailing ships,...

No group has played a more pivotal role in shaping American values than the New England Puritans. The seventeenth-century Puritans contributed to our country's sense of mission, its work ethic, and its moral sensibility. Today, eight...

Experience the 1692 Salem witch-hunt in a terrifying online trial. Follow a narrative compiled from several Salem witchcraft trial accounts.

This site describes the influence of the Reverend Joseph Bellamy and religion in 18th century colonial life. This lesson plan has excellent information, an inquiry question, historical context, maps, readings, images, and activities.

This instructional activity focuses on the life and trials of Anne Hutchinson, who fought for the rights of women in mid-17th century New England.

Students will examine the Salem witchcraft trials through primary and secondary sources with an emphasis on different viewpoints of the trials.

Samuel Adams was born on September 22, 1722, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He entered Harvard College at the age of 14. During the 1760s, Adams became a leader of the Patriot resistance to the British government's attempt to tax the American...

General Thomas Gage, an amiable English gentleman with an American-born wife, commanded the garrison at Boston, where political activity had almost wholly replaced trade. Gage's main duty in the colonies had been to enforce the Coercive...

"A Model of Christian Charity" is a 1630 sermon by Puritan layman and leader John Winthrop, who delivered on board the ship Arbella while en route to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It is also known as City upon a Hill and denotes the...

The Puritans came to the New World in search of religious freedom. This National Humanities Center article tells what they did with that freedom. Site also offers topics for discussion with students.

A review of the events in the life of Anne Hutchinson, a brave, early American settler. Learn how Anne Hutchinson felt about religion and the way people should worship God. (In Spanish)

Exactly what is the difference between Pilgrims and Puritans? Find out here in this short article.

This National Humanities site gives a brief description of "This notorious episode in the history of early New England," and some ideas for presenting the topic of witchcraft to students.

Essay discussing the Bay Psalm Book (1640) and the New England Primer (1683). Topics include: Classroom Issues and Strategies; Major Themes, Historical Perspectives, and Personal Issues; Significant Form, Style, Artistic Conventions;...

This article paints a picture of Puritans somewhat different from common myth. Read about their ideas of separation of church and state, and even their love of color.

John Wintrhop's idea of the value of a covenant in social relations that was reflected in the development of the Puritan community.