What was the Massachusetts Bay Colony?
Q: What was the Massachusetts Bay Colony?
A: The Massachusetts Bay Colony was an English settlement in the 17th century on the east coast of North America. It later became known as New England and included what is now the cities of Salem and Boston, as well as the states of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Q: Who founded the colony?
A: John Winthrop founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He wanted to improve upon the Church of England by colonizing or getting rid of Native Americans in this new world.
Q: How many people were brought to this colony?
A: Approximately 20,000 people were brought to this colony by two companies; The Dorchester Company (which failed) and The Massachusetts Bay Company (which was successful).
Q: How did relations between colonists and Native Americans change over time?
A: Initially there was a good friendship between colonists and Native Americans but tensions rose when more Europeans moved into these areas due to disputes over land borders. Additionally, different customs caused further conflict which led to two wars; The Pequot War (1636–1638) and King Philip's War (1675–1676). After these wars most Native Americans became peaceful while some moved away from those areas.
Q: What type of trade did they engage in?
A: The colonists traded with both England and West Indies for goods such as food, clothing, tools etc., which helped them make money.
Q: What happened in 1686?
A: In 1686 there was a civil war in England where King James II attempted to gain control over all colonies including that of Massachusetts Bay.
Q: How did it change after 1692? A:After 1692 Sir William Phips arrived and combined both Plymouth Colony with that of Massachusetts Bay so that they could help run their own government together better than before.
