by K.C. Neal

Created on: September 23, 2007

Change was a-coming!

John Winthrop founded Massachusetts Bay Colony as a symbol of faith. He wanted it be an example for other colonies to follow. He governed the colony with the intent of puritanism, or religious excellence.

The colony was formed by people who wanted freedom from England. It was on the east coast of the North American continent, as this was the closest stop from England by boat.

Little did these Puritan settlers know the impact of their decision to leave their native land. Little did they know that the empty land that they were traveling to was destined to become the great cities of Salem and Boston, Massachusetts. They only knew that they were ready for a change. The freedom to live and worship as they wanted, separate from the Church of England.

Not everyone who traveled to the future area that would be called Massachusetts was able to endure the harsh conditions of new, undeveloped earth. Most of them returned to England and its conveniences. But, Roger Conant, a pilgrim leader, was able to convince approximately twenty of the settlers to move to Naumkeag present day Salem) and set up a trading post. Thus, modern day American civilization was beginning.

In 1630, the first "governmental" meeting was held, with John Winthrop serving as Governor. Only 8 men attended. These same men voted that they would form a "Council" that would make all legislative, executive and judicial decisions. Town boundaries, taxes, and officers were decided upon. To silence the opposition of a council dictatorship, 118 settlers were added as freemen to the court. But, the "Council" was to remain the only authoritative power.

In 1634, this law was changed by a group headed by Thomas Dudley, who insisted on a compromise between the "Council" and citizens. The citizens wanted more of a voice in decisions of governmental issues. A General Court was agreed upon and consisted of:
1. Two delegates from each town (future Senate)
2. A Governor's council of advisers (future cabinet)
3. The Governor (future President)

It was the beginning of our present system of government.

Governor John Winthrop, because of the new form of law making was taken out of office. The citizens were now allowed to elect the governor. It was decided by vote that Thomas Dudley should be the new head of the colony.

One thousand settlers came with John Winthrop to present day Salem. Within ten years, the number had grown by 20,000 as word spread to England of the new puritan colony that was thriving without a king (dictator).

Massachusetts Bay Colony is but one of those first brave efforts towards independence from England. Through Faith, the efforts of a few grew into a nation founded on freedom and democracy. The Founding Fathers, as we see, expand farther back than 1776.

What a great nation we live in!

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