USA History: Analyzing the Anne Hutchinson Case & Its Relevance

This essay analyzes "The Massachusetts Bay Colony Case against Anne Hutchinson," highlighting the challenges to Puritan doctrines in 17th-century America. Anne Hutchinson questioned religious precepts, leading to conflicts with Puritan authorities and her eventual exile. The document showcases the clash between orthodox Puritan viewpoints and emerging dissenting opinions, reflecting the government's stringent control over people's lives through Puritanism. Hutchinson's defiance and subsequent exile underscore the struggle for religious freedom and tolerance, shaping the nation's present-day policies. The essay emphasizes the historical significance of this case in understanding the evolution of religious thought and the price individuals paid for challenging established norms in early America. Desklib provides access to similar historical essays and resources for students.

Running head: HISTORY OF USA
History of USA
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The history of the United States of America has diverse facets like colonialism,
racism, Puritanism and others. However, the facet of the history of the nation which has
gained a significant amount of prominence in the contemporary times is its Puritan aspect. It
is significant to note that the founding fathers of the nation of USA came from UK wherein
the religion of Christianity was widely followed in the 17th and the 18th centuries. However, in
the later part of the 17th century it was seen that the many individuals in the nation of USA
like Anne Hutchinson and others began to question the basic doctrines or precepts of the
religion of Christianity (Shi and Tindall). This lead to the persecution of the concerned
individuals and in turn questioned some of the very basic precepts of the religion of
Christianity itself. This paper will analyze “The Massachusetts Bay Colony Case against
Anne Hutchinson” and its current relevance.
The document “The Massachusetts Bay Colony Case against Anne Hutchinson”
describes the protests of the people of the nation of USA against the various Puritans as well
as stringent followers of the religion of Christianity (Shi and Tindall). It is significant to note
that during the 17th century the people of the nation of USA especially in the light of the
Enlightenment Movement and also because of the changes in the intellectual landscape of the
world began to question some of the very basic precepts of the very religion of Christianity
itself. Anne Hutchinson was one of the most notable among these protestors who dared to
challenge the supremacy of the Puritans and consequently the religious doctrines practiced by
them (Shi and Tindall). One of the most important differences that Hutchinson and the
Puritans had was on the score of the interpretation of the character of Eve. In addition to
these, it was seen that Hutchinson used to organize regular assemblies as well as meetings
wherein she and her followers used to discuss these things which were generally considered
to be blasphemous by the Puritans (Shi and Tindall). The tension between the two reached to
such an extent that the Puritans had to exile Hutchinson (Shi and Tindall).

2HISTORY OF USA
The document under discussion here intends to provide an overview of the discussion
that Anne Hutchinson had with the governmental authorities which ultimately led to her exile
from the province to Long Island (Shi and Tindall). The document in a subtle manner outlines
the orthodox viewpoints as well as the opinions held by the Puritans of the 17th century and
also the manner in which the national government of the concerned nation tried to place a
stringent hold over the lives of the people through the ideas of Puritanism (Shi and Tindall).
The document clearly states that the major reason for the exile of Hutchinson was the fact
that she refused to abide by the stringent doctrines of Puritanism and Christianity.
Furthermore, the fact that angered the Puritans even more was the fact that she was not only
holding regular meetings as well as assemblies but at the same time questions some of the
very basic practices followed by the Puritans which threatened the stability of the Puritan
nation in a significant manner (Shi and Tindall). In addition to this, it was also seen that
following Hutchinson others also came forward and dared to question the precepts of
Puritanism and Christianity. It was in the light of all these factors that Hutchinson was exiled
from the dominion.
This document is a very one from the perspective of the historical account of the
nation and adequately represents the history of the era. It is pertinent to note that the case
under discussion by adequately highlighting the conversation of Anne Hutchinson with the
governmental authorities shows the opinions as well as the viewpoint of the state authorities
of the nation in a sumptuous manner (Shi and Tindall). Furthermore, the document has rich
historical connation since it showcases the plight of the common and also the price that they
have to pay to deviate from the general line of people.
To conclude, the struggle of the common people of the nation of USA against the
Puritans is an important one and to a great extent has molded the present day religious
tolerance policy followed by the nation of USA. The document has rich historical connation

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since it shows the condition of the common people of the nation and the fate which they have
to undergo if they dared to go against the policies as well as precepts followed by the Puritans
and also the governmental authorities of the nation.

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Reference
Shi, David E., and George Brown Tindall. America: A narrative history. WW Norton &
Company, 2016.