Changing Hierarchies in Early America

Changing Hierarchies in Early America

In “A Model of Christian Charity,” John Winthrop proposes to change the existing social and economic hierarchy. The old world social hierarchy divided the classes based on wealth and property. The highest class consisted of the king and royal family, then followed by the bishops. Next on the hierarchy were the nobles, gentlemen, and the wealthy. And at the bottom of the hierarchy of course, were the poor. Because of this extreme division, there was no middle ground between the wealthy and poor. That is, the old world hierarchy allowed the rich to hold power over the poor. The poor would live and work on the land in exchange for protection from the wealthy. In other words, the poor had to work as servants or hired hands for the rich, and they had little or no property. Winthrop thought that if the old world social hierarchy was carried overseas, then it would divide people in America and prevent society from thriving. After all, they would be coming to a new land with an unfamiliar environment. Also, there would be unfamiliar people and diseases. In short, if everyone did not work together, then chances for survival was unlikely. But Winthrop knew he could not attack the social hierarchy directly. That is, he knew that if he tried to change the rules of society, people would object. Therefore, Winthrop takes a series of small steps that when viewed individually do not seem like he’s trying to end the hierarchy. But when he puts his ideas together, it becomes apparent how far he has altered and broken down the old world social and economic hierarchy. Winthrop’s first action to undermine the old world social hierarchy is to begin by affirming it. By doing this, he sets his audience at ease, and slowly moves to his point. Winthrop begins “A Model of Christian Charity” first with agreeing with the social hierarchy that already exists. He says that each person should be happy where they are in society, because it was divine