How did the protestant reformation impact the colonization of America?

Question

i need this for a project

Answer 1

I can hardly believe some think the Reformation had little to do with colonization. For the many who came seeking religious freedom it was precisely their Reformation-based beliefs that were at issue.

Most prominent, of course, were the 'Puritans' -- whose goal whether though separation (the 'Pilgrims' were separatists) or working from within the established churches, were seeking to more fully carry out the teachings of the Reformation. (The English Reformation was always a mixed bag, from the beginning when Henry VIII was not necessarily seeking for radical changes in church teaching & practice when he split with Rome.) Note that the Puritan authors were very much in the 'Calvinistic' line.

The Quakers who led the colonization of the Middle Atlantic colonies (esp. Pennsylvania, under Quaker William Penn) did not grow DIRECTLY out of the Reformation, but certainly had some roots in it (as a 'nonconforming' Protestant group).

Consider also that the Catholic vs. Protestant struggle that came out of the Reformation also at times led to troubles/intolerance for Catholics (England could be tough on BOTH the thoroughgoing reformers AND the Catholics). Some of them settled in the American colonies (esp. in Maryland which was, at first, set up for them)

French Huegenot refugees (likewise 'Reformed' or 'Calvinistic')

Answer 2

The Protestant Reformation had little if anything to do with the colonization of America.

The forming of the church of England had NOTHING to do with the Protestant Reformation but was strictly over a disagree between the King of England and the Pope over the rights of marriage annument (and if the truth be realized, it was over a family matter at that). After the separation, the same basic liturgy, Bible, and theology was practiced by the Church of England.

The reason for the English migration to the colonies was strictly differences within the Church of England on the ways that it should be "purified" within. This led to Puritans coming across the ocean to start a new life.

The primary protestant denomination, Lutheran, did not come to the colonies until the 1740s and after most were already settled. The Quakers came into Pennsylvania in the early 1700s but were another breakaway from the Church of England who had developed purely pacifist ideas.

Also remember much (in area) of the United States was first settled by Catholics from Spain long before even Jamestown. All of the southwest and florida and parts of Louisana. The French catholics came into Canada and across the border into the U.S.

Answer 3

The Protestant Reformation was not the only thing that impacted the colonization of America. Henry VIII had supported Cabot in his explorations after rejecting Christopher Columbus. Cabot was one of the first to discover the American mainland.

But in terms of Protestant Reformation, the majority of those that traveled to the Americas were radicals or Puritans. The Puritans were dogged by the Anglican Church. They were tired of landowners controling the Churches. They did not want to submit to High Church (i.e. the Bells and Whistles)which reminded them too much of Catholicism. Being a bit cyclical the Reformation started because of Henry VIII had been a Catholic.

Puritans and radicals suffered greatly under the rule of the Stuarts.

During the rule of James I, Puritans pleaded with James I to change the ways of the Church of England. As Puritans rejected to ornaments and ritual, they favored using only parts of the Common Book of Prayer. They wanted to purify the Church of England. Charles I succeeded James I and he was more vigilant in perscuting Puritans. He was supporting of Arminian theology and embraced more Catholic aspects. But of course his wife was a Catholic and that made Charles I distrusting in many eyes.

So to rap up.... Puritans given the name "Puritan", in mockery of their apparent obsession with "purifying" the Church of its vestiges. In other words, they wanted a more down home feel to their religion.

Puritans went to the U.S because they wanted freedom and thought the Church of England was beyond reform. I am sure some probably came over for economic reasons as well. :)

Then also some came over because they were banished. It was better than death.

Answer 4

Well, protestants came here, especially the more radical protestants, like the Puritans and the Society of Friends (Quakers)