Puritans

Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to "purify" the Church of England from what they viewed as remaining Catholic practices. They emphasized strict religious discipline, personal piety, and moral integrity. Many Puritans migrated to North America, especially in the early 1600s, to practice their faith freely, leading to the establishment of communities like Massachusetts Bay Colony. Their values shaped early American culture, including a focus on hard work, education, and a sense of communal responsibility. Their influence is still felt in aspects of American society and religion today.