The Puritans were English Protestants who believed that the Church of England needed to be purified from Catholic influence and corruption. Due to their views, the Puritans faced persecution in England, and many sought opportunities to flee to places where they could practice their beliefs freely and build an ideal society. As a result, groups of Puritans migrated to North America in the 1620s, including the Mayflower and the Great Migration. From the 1630s to the 1660s, the Puritans heavily shaped the New England colonies. They integrated their religious devotion into the political system, creating a community-based foundation with no clear separation between church and state. The Puritans' strong work ethic also played a role in economic development, as idleness was considered a sin and hard work was encouraged. Additionally, the Puritans' belief in religion as a superior guide led to a society that emphasized a traditional patriarchal order.

The Puritans exerted a significant influence on the political development of the New England colonies by establishing a political system based on an exclusive community with a common creed centered around God. In 1630, when the Puritans first arrived in America, religious leader John Winthrop expressed his motto of building a model Christian society that the world could look up to. He stressed the need for unity and brotherhood, as the colony represented God and their faith to the rest of the world (Doc A). Winthrop's speech aimed to unify the Puritans and motivate them, as he recognized the challenges they would face in settling the colony. The phrase "City upon a hill," originating from this text, further supports the argument that the Puritans established a closely connected society centered around their common faith as model Christians, seeking to glorify God.

However, the Puritans' common creed around the Bible also led to the exclusion of dissenting religious views. The writings of Bradford recounted violent encounters between Natives and Puritans. The Puritans, described as the victorious side, attributed their success to God and viewed native religious practices as evil (Doc D). This document demonstrates how the Puritans brought religious intolerance to the land they sought for religious freedom, revealing the role of religious views in political decisions. Ward's writings further support this view; he claimed that tolerance toward other religions is insincere to one's own faith and advocated for state law to be based on fundamental religious principles (Doc G). Ward's words illustrate a political system centered around religion, where the moral codes of the church influence secular state law, reinforcing the argument that the Puritans lacked a clear separation between state and church.

In terms of the economy, the Puritans' work ethic, emphasizing hard work and condemning idleness, contributed to economic prosperity. Robert Keayne's testament emphasized discipline and diligence, reflecting the Puritan work ethic that shaped economic development (Doc I). Keayne's words highlight the culture of industriousness and dedication that led to economic success. This work ethic, coupled with the Puritans' humility and frugality, led to capital accumulation and a skilled workforce, fostering economic growth.

The Puritans also left a significant social impact, with their belief in religion as the ultimate guide of life shaping their traditional views on gender roles. As John Curtin noted, he applied the power God granted to men to the family structure, arguing for male authority over wives and limited freedom for children (Doc H). Gender roles were defined by religion, with the idea of original sin contributing to the subordination of women and reinforcing traditional patriarchal norms within Puritan society.

Nevertheless, the influence of traditional Puritan ideas and values waned in certain aspects, such as economics and society. In "The Cause of God and His People in New England," author Higginson emphasized the religious foundation of the colonies, expressing concern about profit-driven motives in the new generation of Puritans (Doc J). Higginson's perspective holds weight as a devoted Puritan minister, highlighting his genuine concern about the decline of religious faith among colonists. Roger Williams echoed this sentiment, suggesting that God doesn't require uniformity in religion and cautioning against enforcing religious unity, which often leads to civil conflict (Doc F). Williams's plea for religious freedom and the separation of church and state marked a departure from Puritan orthodoxy and triggered broader questioning of religious intolerance and political systems centered on religion. This shift ultimately led to the establishment of Rhode Island based on principles of religious freedom and attracted former Massachusetts settlers.

Overall, the Puritans' influence on New England encompassed politics, economics, and society, with their religious beliefs shaping their ideals and practices. While their traditional values persisted, changing contexts and evolving perspectives led to shifts in certain areas, reflecting a complex interplay between religious doctrine and societal development.