Themes of the Early Colonial Period

Some definite themes of the Early Colonial Period were a mission for equality, a dream of religious freedom, a desire for a Utopian society, and conflict. From the begining of the colonization of the New World, each of these themes was clear, be it through Penn's unique Quakerly quest, or Winthrop's religious reprimands, or the confounding conflicts with the Native Americans, or even the revolutionary religious views. Each of these was a theme throughout this fascinating period of our history.

Equality and religion were major themes from the very beginning of the colonization of the New World. Although the definition of equality at that time was different (slaves and women were not generally included), it was the main purpose of coming to the New World. Within Europe, the People had no say in their own religious beliefs. If they upheld any view that was not the view of the King, they were shunned, and in many circumstances even in real danger of physical harm. In the New World there was a hope of equality, where one's beliefs would not make one more or less worthy of being a part of the society than anyone else. Unfortunately this dream was not fully realized in some societies. For example, Winthrop and the Mass. Bay Colony banished Anne Hutchinson simply because she spoke out against their preachings of salvation by works rather than salvation by grace. However, in other circumstances this quest was, to a certain point, successful. William Penn's image of equality, for example, was mostly successful, although some of his ideas were ahead of his time. He successfully established a civilization where Quakers could live peacefully, and because of his purely good intentions, people of other religions and nationalities also came to Pennsylvania. However, his preachings of freedom for slaves was too far ahead of his time, and thus largely unsuccessful. On the part of religious freedom and equality, it is clear that there were some instances of success and some instances of at least partial failure, during that time at least. Thankfully, with this foundation for our country, we have eventually reached something that is, in general, successful in both respects.

Everyone who came to the New World had hopes for a sort of Utopia. Winthrop held hopes of a "city on a hill", a role model for the rest of the world to follow. Penn visualized a paradise based on Quaker beliefs and peaceful acceptance. The puritans pictured a land where their beliefs were pure and based strictly on the teachings of the Bible. Beyond this, ever colonist had some high hope for a new, ideal life. There are ways that we can still see success; we are still free, we are still equal, and we still have the right to our own religious beliefs. However, in other ways what success there may have been did not last; Winthrop's hopes of a "city on a hill" stand true in that the rest of the world still notices us; however, we are not the perfect colony that he had intended. There is still a religious freedom, but no one expected this freedom to be used by some to eliminate religion entirely. As for the land of opportunity that America once was, this opportunity is deteriorating, though it undoubtedly still shines through in less obvious ways. Judgement of a success or a failure on this count can not truly be judged, as different expectations lead to different conclusions. However, it is my guess that few would call our world today a "Utopia".

Finally, conflict was an immense part of the early colonies, mostly between the Native Americans and the colonists. Although Penn's colony went 50 years before any considerable conflict with the Natives, this was unusual. Penn made a specific point of observing others' mistakes, and learning from them. He sent word ahead to the Indians before even coming to America, sending a message of peace and camaraderie. He specifically set down rules that would protect the rights of the Indians, and prevent any conflict. Other colonists were not so intelligent. A fear of the Natives led to an incomparable imagination. As is demonstrated not only through their treatment of the Natives but also through literature of the time, colonists visualized violent kidnappings and horrific torture. The natives were an unknown, and thus something to fear. Because of this fear and this rapid imagination, there was little or no peace between the Indians and the colonists. Fear led to defensiveness, and defensiveness led to battles, wars, and deaths. This is perhaps the most regrettable aspect of our ancestors' actions.

Overall, America can not be labled as a success or a failure. We have our virtues, but we also have our faults. It is important for us to see both sides of our country; if we blind ourselves to our faults we will never improve, but if we ignore our strengths we will feel purpose in defending what we do have. Love has been defined as knowing someone's faults but caring deeply for them anyway; this is what we must feel for our country. A loyalty for what we have is what can unite us, and what can bring us to improvement; a knowledge of what we can improve will make this unity worthwhile. So honestly, who can say if America has been a success or a failure? We're still finding out.



The use of twitter during history class is, beyond a doubt, one of the best methods of reflection and review in the learning process that I have ever encountered. By posing a question that would require some level of thought and provide for a lively discussion, all students were able to come up with a unique answer, as well as to comment on the observations of their peers. Unlike a verbal discussion, everyone got the chance to have their say on ever aspect mentioned without being interrupted, stopped, or distracted. It was certainly the best method of reflecting that I have ever encountered.