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In March, John Winthrop leads a Puritan migration of 900 colonists to Massachusetts Bay, where he will serve as the first governor. In September, Boston is officially established and serves as the site of Winthrop's government.
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The first town government is established.
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200 settlers, many of which are Catholic, arrive in the lands granted to Roman Catholic Lord Baltimore by King Charles I.
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In June, Roger Williams founds Providence and Rhode Island. He was banished from Manhattan for having "new and dangerous" ideas. Providence becomes a safe haven for those who are seeking religious freedom.
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Anne Hutchinson is banished from Massachusetts for nonconformist religious views that advocate personal revelation over the role of the clergy. This is significant because Hutchinson was an important participant in the Antinomian Controversy.
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First colonial printing press is set up in Cambridge, MA
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English Civil War erupts between the Royalists of King Charles I and the Parliamentary army, eventually resulting in defeat for the Royalists and the downfall of the monarchy. On January 30, 1649, Kings Charles I is beheaded. England then becomes a Commonwealth and Protectorate ruled by Oliver Cromwell.
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A law that makes religious heresy punishable by death is approved by the general court in MA.
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Rhode Island enacts a law declaring slavery illegal.
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The English Monarchy is restored under King Charles II.