Salem Trials Flashcards
On what date did the first settlers set sail for New England?
April 1630
The growth of which industries contributed to a growing economy in Salem during the 1640’s and 1650’s?
Fur and lumber trades, as well as a flourishing fishing industry
On what date did Charles II die, and who was he succeeded by?
Charles died in February 1685 and was succeeded by his Catholic brother James II, who administered all colonies as the “Dominion of New England”, provoking resistance from colonists.
Who acted as governor of the “Dominion of New England” formed by James II, and why was he unpopular?
Sir Edmund Andros was appointed governor of the Dominion - his high church tendencies and refusal to include local Puritans on his council made him unpopular.
Name four particular policies contributing to Andros’ unpopularity and eventual fall
- His attempt to include Charles II’s wish for Church of England services to be delivered in Puritan churches.
- new taxes, particularly focusing on import and export duties
- land ownership titles under the previous Massachusetts Bay Colony declared void
- Restricted town meetings to avoid local conflict
When was James II’s Declaration of Indulgence, and what did it mean?
The Declaration of Indulgence, in April 1687, suspended penal laws against Catholics.
What did James II do in the Summer of 1687 (the same year as his Declaration of Indulgence) which heightened opposition from political establishment?
He dissolved the parliament
On which date did seven leading bishops in England refuse to read another Declaration of Indulgence?
May 1688
Who did seven leading figures of the political nation send a letter to, begging them to bring force against James II through fear of a Catholic heir?
William of Orange
When did James II flee England due to William of Orange’s arrival?
December 1688
When was a Convention Parliament established after William of Orange’s arrival and what did it declared?
January 1689, declaring that William would rule jointly with his wife, Mary, the Protestant daughter of James.
Upon their succession in England, William of Orange and his wife, Mary were presented with a Declaration of Rights. What did this Declaration affirm? Give an example.
The Declaration affirmed a number of constitutional principles such as the prohibition of unparliamentary taxation and the need for regular parliaments.
Which act was granted in May 1689, giving many Protestant groups, but not Catholics, religious freedom in England.
The Toleration Act
When did news of the revolution in England reach New England, and what was the result?
News of the Revolution reached Massachusetts in April 1689, and the colonists of Boston revolted against Andros.
How did Andros respond to the news of the “Glorious Revolution” and the impending revolt against him?
when a messenger arrived with news of the Glorious Revolution in England, Andros had him arrested, although the news had spread regardless. In the meantime, a militia from Massachusetts assembled by Andros mutinied fear that they were being used in a popish plot.
Who were rebels against Andros led by?
The rebels were led by a father and son, Increase and Cotton Mather, who were both well-known, Harvard educated, ministers who held great local power and influence.
Who travelled to England to lead negotiations over a new charter, and which years did they spend there advocating on behalf of the colonies?
Negotiations with England were led by Increase Mather due to his predominant role in Puritan Massachusetts. he spent 1688-92 in London advocating on behalf of the colony. By the time he returned, the witch trials had begun.
Who acted as governor between 1689-92?
Simon Bradstreet, one of Increase Mather’s allies.
On what date did Increase Mather return from England, and who was governor upon his return?
May 1692
Sir William Phips
How was Andros taken into custody, and what was the result?
On 18 April 1689, rebellious militia companies began arresting officials in and around Boston and surrounded Andros’ residence at Fort Mary. The rebels declared that they were supporters of William of Orange, and had no choice but to act in the face of the rumoured popish plot by Andros, who was originally appointed by James II. He tried to flee by boat but was taken into custody and sent to face trial in England.
Why was Massachusetts initially difficult to govern subsequently to Andros’ fall?
Massachusetts was ruled by a combination of Andros’ former agents, and leading Puritan figures - this created a local conflict of interest.
What was Massachusetts known as after the new charter in October 1691?
The Province of Massachusetts Bay
Which three policies did king William (of Orange) introduce to increase centralisation, and avoid further theocracy in the light of the new charter in 1691?
- Voting eligibility was now based on property ownership rather than religious denomination
- All officials were to be appointed by the Crown rather than elected
- The governor could block any laws passed by the Council
How were local communities affected by the extension of English power into the colonies?
Despite revolting against Andros, few changes had occurred in villages. Extension of central power in the colonies meant that fewer Puritan leaders could represent their people, and the population saw the Devil at work for their grievances.
