Calvinism and the Social Contract Theory
Agriculture - While not fertile, towns were surrounded by farms owned by the workers. They had a high degree of mechanical ingenuity and self-sufficiency.
Fishing - In 1633, Boston first exported fish. In 1639, Massachusetts was exempted from paying taxes on fishing boats. The fishing industry was huge by 1700. Over and above normal fishing, whaling was also a major occupation of the region.
Commerce - Individuals from the New England area were heavily involved in commerce. The trade with England allowed ship holders to flourish. Further, they traded with the West Indies and the French colonies to the north.
New England Religion
Calvinism and the Social Contract Theory - Many individuals who lived in the New England area were Calvinists or heavily influenced by John Calvin's works and thought. While many look at John Locke as one of the founders of the idea of the social contract, that the state is an agreement or contract between the individuals to join together into a society, Calvinist doctrine was one of the first to espouse the idea in England. The fact that many New England settlers followed the religious doctrines of John Calvin meant that this theory was part of their religious heritage. Further, this belief in the importance of contracts transferred to economic contracts as well.
A Belief in Predestination - One of the tenets of Calvinism is the idea of predestination. This was the belief that God had already predetermined everything, including who was going to heaven and who to hell.
Congregationalism - The church itself was governed by its own members. The congregation chose its own minister.
Intolerance - While the puritans might have escaped England due to religious persecution, they did not come to America to establish religious freedom for all. They wanted to be free to worship the way they wished. Non-conformists such as Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were thrown out of the church.
The Spread of the New England Population
Towns were
Fishing - In 1633, Boston first exported fish. In 1639, Massachusetts was exempted from paying taxes on fishing boats. The fishing industry was huge by 1700. Over and above normal fishing, whaling was also a major occupation of the region.
Commerce - Individuals from the New England area were heavily involved in commerce. The trade with England allowed ship holders to flourish. Further, they traded with the West Indies and the French colonies to the north.
New England Religion
Calvinism and the Social Contract Theory - Many individuals who lived in the New England area were Calvinists or heavily influenced by John Calvin's works and thought. While many look at John Locke as one of the founders of the idea of the social contract, that the state is an agreement or contract between the individuals to join together into a society, Calvinist doctrine was one of the first to espouse the idea in England. The fact that many New England settlers followed the religious doctrines of John Calvin meant that this theory was part of their religious heritage. Further, this belief in the importance of contracts transferred to economic contracts as well.
A Belief in Predestination - One of the tenets of Calvinism is the idea of predestination. This was the belief that God had already predetermined everything, including who was going to heaven and who to hell.
Congregationalism - The church itself was governed by its own members. The congregation chose its own minister.
Intolerance - While the puritans might have escaped England due to religious persecution, they did not come to America to establish religious freedom for all. They wanted to be free to worship the way they wished. Non-conformists such as Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were thrown out of the church.
The Spread of the New England Population
Towns were