1. England:
- Elizabeth I's Religious Settlement: The Puritans opposed the established Anglican Church and advocated for a more purified form of Protestantism. Queen Elizabeth I imposed religious uniformity, and Puritans who refused to conform faced fines, imprisonment, and other punishments.
- The Conventicle Act (1664): This act prohibited religious gatherings of more than five people outside the established Church of England. Puritans who held secret worship services faced heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- The Five Mile Act (1665): This act forbade Puritan ministers from coming within five miles of any town where they had previously preached without the Anglican bishop's permission. This effectively silenced many Puritan preachers and limited their ability to minister to their congregations.
2. American Colonies:
- Massachusetts Bay Colony: In the early 1630s, Puritan leaders in the Massachusetts Bay Colony persecuted dissident religious groups, such as the Antinomians led by Anne Hutchinson. Hutchinson and her followers were banished from the colony for expressing different religious views.
- Salem Witch Trials: In 1692, the Salem Witch Trials occurred in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, resulting in the persecution of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. Over 200 people were accused, and more than 30 were convicted and executed.
- Church of England Dominance: In some colonies, such as Virginia, the Church of England was the established religion, and dissenters, including Puritans, faced restrictions on their religious practices and were often taxed to support the Anglican Church.
Despite facing harsh persecution, the Puritans remained committed to their religious convictions and played a crucial role in shaping the religious and political landscape of both England and America.