Summary: This lesson will utilize the trials and exiles or executions of religious dissenters to examine the conflict between emerging ideas of freedom of conscience and speech and rights of association in colonial New England. Historical figures will include Anne Hutchinson, Roger Williams, and Mary Dyer.
Overarching question:
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.1.a: Explain how British North American colonies adapted the British governance structure to fit their ideas of individual rights, economic growth, and participatory government.
- 6.1.12.CivicsPD.1.a: Use multiple sources to analyze the factors that led to an increase in the political rights and participation in government.
Links to Lesson:
- Lesson Coming Soon
Supplemental Links:
- Anne Hutchinson and Courage: In the Face of Adversity - Bill of Rights Institute
- Anne Hutchinson - Roger Williams National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
- Transcript of the Trial of Anne Hutchinson (1637) (bedfordstmartins.com)
- The Silencing of Mary Dyer | Learning for Justice