Early American History · 5th Grade · Colonial America · 1607 – 1763

Pilgrims & Puritans: New England Life

Investigate the motivations for Puritan migration, their religious beliefs, and the development of self-governance in New England.

• Common Core State Standards
• C3: D2.Geo.5.3-5
• C3: D2.His.3.3-5
• C3: D2.Civ.3.3-5

About This Topic

The Middle Colonies, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, were known as the 'Breadbasket' because of their fertile soil and high production of grains like wheat and rye. This region was the most diverse and tolerant of the thirteen colonies, attracting settlers from many different European countries and religious backgrounds. Students examine the influence of William Penn and the Quakers, who promoted peace and fair treatment of Indigenous peoples.

This topic aligns with standards regarding the economic and cultural development of the colonies. It provides a contrast to the more homogeneous New England and Southern regions. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of diversity through a collaborative investigation into the different groups that settled there.

Key Questions

1. Differentiate between the Pilgrims' and Puritans' reasons for leaving England.
2. Analyze the role of religion in shaping New England's social and political structures.
3. Explain how the Mayflower Compact established an early form of self-government.

Learning Objectives

• Compare the motivations of Pilgrims and Puritans for migrating to New England.
• Analyze the influence of Puritan religious beliefs on the social and political development of New England colonies.
• Explain the significance of the Mayflower Compact as an early example of self-governance in the colonies.

Before You Start

Exploration and Early European Settlements

Why: Students need a basic understanding of European exploration and initial settlement attempts in North America before focusing on the specific motivations and governance of the Pilgrims and Puritans.

Basic Concepts of Government

Why: Understanding foundational ideas of rules, laws, and leadership is necessary to grasp the significance of the Mayflower Compact.

Key Vocabulary

Pilgrims	A group of English Separatists who sought religious freedom and established Plymouth Colony in 1620.
Puritans	A larger group of English Protestants who wanted to reform the Church of England and established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630.
Mayflower Compact	An agreement signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a basic framework for self-government in Plymouth Colony.
Theocracy	A system of government in which priests or religious leaders rule in the name of God or a god.
Self-governance	The ability of a group of people to govern themselves without external control.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

All colonists were English.

What to Teach Instead

The Middle Colonies had large populations of Dutch, German, Swedish, and Irish settlers. A gallery walk showing the different languages and customs of these groups helps students visualize colonial diversity.

Common Misconception

Religious tolerance was common in all colonies.

What to Teach Instead

The Middle Colonies were unique in their high level of tolerance compared to New England or the South. A comparative chart activity helps students see that Pennsylvania was an outlier in its time.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk: The Breadbasket

Stations feature the different groups that settled in the Middle Colonies (Quakers, Germans, Scots-Irish, Dutch). Students collect 'identity cards' at each station to see how these groups contributed to the region's diversity.

35 min·Individual

Inquiry Circle: Penn's 'Holy Experiment'

In small groups, students read excerpts from William Penn's plan for Pennsylvania. They identify three specific ways he tried to make his colony different from others, such as religious tolerance or fair land purchases.

30 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Why Diversity Matters

Students discuss why having many different types of people and religions might make a colony stronger or more difficult to govern. They share their ideas with the class to explore the concept of tolerance.

15 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Historians studying early American documents, like the Mayflower Compact, use their analytical skills to interpret the intentions and societal structures of the time, similar to how legal scholars analyze modern contracts.
• Community organizers today often establish foundational agreements for new groups or projects, drawing parallels to the Pilgrims' need for a governing document to ensure order and cooperation in a new land.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with two columns labeled 'Pilgrims' and 'Puritans'. Ask them to list at least two reasons each group left England and one key difference in their goals for settlement.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'How might the strict religious beliefs of the Puritans have both helped and hindered the growth of their communities?' Encourage students to share examples from their reading.

Quick Check

Present students with a simplified scenario of a new group needing to establish rules. Ask them to write one sentence explaining why a document like the Mayflower Compact would be necessary for their group's success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the Middle Colonies called the 'Breadbasket'?

They were called the 'Breadbasket' because their climate and fertile soil were perfect for growing grains like wheat, corn, and rye. They produced so much grain that they were able to feed the other colonies and export large amounts to Europe.

How did William Penn influence the Middle Colonies?

William Penn founded Pennsylvania as a 'Holy Experiment' based on Quaker values of religious tolerance, pacifism, and equality. He insisted on paying Indigenous people for their land and welcomed settlers of all faiths, which made the region a model for diversity.

What made the Middle Colonies different from New England?

The Middle Colonies were much more ethnically and religiously diverse than New England. While New England was dominated by Puritans, the Middle Colonies were home to Quakers, Catholics, Jews, Lutherans, and others. Economically, they focused on grain farming and trade in cities like Philadelphia and New York.

How can active learning help students understand the Middle Colonies?

Active learning strategies like 'identity mapping' or analyzing Penn's primary documents allow students to see the Middle Colonies as a social experiment. By investigating the specific contributions of different ethnic groups, students move beyond a simple 'English colony' narrative and understand the roots of American pluralism.