Puritans
An English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries
Real World Example
The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who wanted to "purify" the Church of England from its Catholic practices. They played a significant role in establishing the early English colonies in North America, particularly in New England, during the early 1600s. Their focus on community, education, and self-governance laid the groundwork for democratic principles and public schooling in America. Today, their legacy can be seen in the value placed on education and the community-focused mindset in many towns and cities. For example, the town meetings that occur in some New England states to make local decisions are a direct descendant of Puritan governance.
