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Period: to
Pre-Revolutionary War
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Arrival
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. -
Dorchester, Massachusetts
The first town government is established. -
Settlement in Maryland
200 settlers, many of which are Catholic, arrive in the lands granted to Roman Catholic Lord Baltimore by King Charles I. -
Founding of Rhode Island and Providence
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. -
Anne Hutchinson is Banished
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. -
Printing Press
First colonial printing press is set up in Cambridge, MA -
1640-1659
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. -
Religious Heresy
A law that makes religious heresy punishable by death is approved by the general court in MA. -
Slavery
Rhode Island enacts a law declaring slavery illegal. -
English Monarchy
The English Monarchy is restored under King Charles II.