The Puritans

The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to reform the Church of England, emphasizing religious purity, personal morality, and strict adherence to the Bible. They aimed to eliminate what they saw as Catholic influences and rituals they considered unnecessary or corrupt. Many faced persecution in England, prompting some to migrate to America, where they established colonies with a focus on community discipline, education, and a shared religious vision. Their beliefs deeply influenced American culture, values, and ideas about governance and individual responsibility.