In 1620, the Mayflower landed on North American soil carrying hundreds of exiled Englishmen. They were not the first Europeans to explore America, nor were they the first to settle on North American soil. Other Eruopean settlers had already created flourishing colonies in the south. Native tribes already populated the continent from sea to sea. So why do we remember the Mayflower?
The Mayflower is remembered because of the everlasting impact its passengers would have on American culture. Yes, those other humans also affected American culture, but the puritan influence is more profound, obvious, pervasive, and long-lasting.
Follow the steps below to gain insight on puritan culture.
- Read the material on this website: http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/purdef.htm After reading the material from the website , answer the following questions:
- What were the primary beliefs of a puritan community?
- Describe the relationship between the church and the state in a puritan community.
3. Watch the video: Anne Bradstreet's Poem (The text of this poem is attached to my website.)
- After reading William Bradford's jornal and watching Anne Bradstreet's poem, chose six puritan beliefs (3 from each) and describe them in 2-4 sentences.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Z- nN1YB5A
- What Puritan beliefs does Reagan refer to in his farewell speech?
- Describe your thoughts on his speech in 3-5 sentences.
Using the information you learned in class and your previous knowledge of puritan culture, answer the questions: Where do you see puritan influence in your environment? Do you relate to them at all, or do they seem more like a completely different species?
