History 356 Midterm Essay
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Old Dominion University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
356
Subject
History
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by AgentBravery12754
Midterm Essay: The Influence of the Puritans and Quakers on the Virginia Colony
Connor King
Instructor Whitlock
15 October 2023
Introduction
The early years of the Virginia colony witnessed a significant interaction and clash of
cultures, religious beliefs, and economic philosophies. The intersection of the Puritans, Quakers,
and Dutch Reformists within the colony created a landscape ripe for analysis. This paper will
explore the profound influence of the Puritans and Quakers on the economic and religious fabrics
of the Virginia colonists and the colony itself.
Puritans
The most notable effect that the Puritans had on the Virginia colony was their installation
of robust trade networks. Puritans also utilized their shipping routes between colonies to
establish communication and create religious connections across the English and Dutch Atlantic
regions. Intercolonial merchants who visited Virginia, including individuals like John Stone,
David Peterson De Vries, Edward Gibbons, Isaac Allerton, Jr., and Augustine Herman, often
identified as Puritans or belonged to the Dutch Reformed Church (p. 50).
Religiously, the Puritans sought a strict adherence to what they perceived as the true
teachings of the Bible. They established churches in Virginia that were free from the influence of
the English church, emphasizing individual Bible reading and personal piety. Most notably, the
migration of intercolonial merchants led to a widespread presence of Calvinism in the
Chesapeake regions (p.51) This had a dual effect: while it led to an increase in religious literacy
among colonists, it also introduced tension with other religious groups and the colony's
administration due to the Puritan’s stringent views and resistance to religious dissent.
Quakers
The Quakers differed significantly from the Puritans in their economic approach. The
Quakers relied more heavily on overland trade routes, which made them less dependent on
intercolonial shipping (p. 52). In Virginia, they found the most success in areas with a deep-
rooted nonconformist heritage. Here, robust trade with other colonies enabled interactions with
fellow believers in different regions.
The Quakers specifically targeted their religious influence towards areas that were not
appealing to Anglican ministers. Since their practices were not accepted by puritan beliefs,
operating in these areas was necessary for them to successfully spread their influence. The
Quakers believed in an “inner light” which negated the need for clergy or sacraments, which
were necessary for worship in Anglican and Puritan religion (p. 52)
Conclusion
The mingling of these groups within the Virginia colony set the stage for a series of
debates, challenges, and synergies. The Puritans, with their emphasis on hard work, community,
and strict religious observance, influenced the colony's economic foundations and introduced a
new form of Protestantism. The Quakers, meanwhile, with their egalitarian approach to both
business and spirituality, brought a distinct flavor that would leave a lasting imprint on the
colony's socio-religious tapestry.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Works Cited
Whitlock, Matthew. Remembering the Old Dominion. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf,
Cognella, Inc., 2017.