"We will become a city on the top of a mountain, and the eyes of people all over the world are watching us; Therefore, if we fail our God in the process of realizing this cause, so that God will no longer help us like today, then we will eventually leave only a story to people and become the laughing stock of the whole world. "

-John winthrop

But Puritan's delimma can't be found, so I'll give you his Baidu Encyclopedia, but most articles that mentioned him said that

the city upon a hill refers to the early colony of Massachusetts Bay in the United States, or the United States. Therefore, it can be said that

John Winthrop 1588--1649), an important figure in the Massachusetts Bay colony in British North America, was born on January 22nd, 1588 at groton Manor in Edwardston, Suffolk, England. In the spring of 163, winthrop led a large number of British people to leave Britain and emigrate to the Massachusetts Bay colony founded in 1628, which became a major event in the history of the colony. Before he left England, winthrop was the owner of groton Manor in Suffolk, England. He also worked as an attorney of the court of wards and liveries and a Justice of the Peace in charge of local affairs. From the organization of emigration to North America in 163 to his death in 1649, winthrop has been active in the political arena of British North American colonies for 19 years, having served as governor of Massachusetts Bay colony for 12 times, deputy governor for 3 times and counselor for 4 times. Winthrop was the first president of the New England League when it was founded in 1643.

in his book winthrop: The Forgotten Founding Father of the United States, Francis J. Bremer pointed out that winthrop's contribution to the creation of New England was unparalleled, and his political acumen and indomitable leadership style were the main reasons for the success of the early Massachusetts Bay colony. In the first three years of the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, hunger, disease, climate and other factors almost killed the newborn colony in the cradle, and a large number of immigrants returned to Britain or moved to other places. The British who provided economic support for the Massachusetts Bay Colony also lost confidence in the future of the colony. Winthrop led the colony through the difficult initial period of the Massachusetts Bay colony, which freed the colony established in the wilderness from the fate of premature death. In addition to the natural disasters encountered in the early days of its establishment, there were various contradictions and conflicts within the colony of Massachusetts Bay, such as the power dispute between the representatives of colonial freemen and government officials, Watertown's tax protest, Hinham's incident, the "pig case" and the veto power of officials, Roger Williams' incident, Anne Hutchinson's incident, Robert julia child's incident, etc. Outside the colony, Ferdinando Gorges and Samuel Gordon sued the Massachusetts Bay Colony in Britain, the war with the Piquet Indians and the economic depression in 164. winthrop saved the Massachusetts Bay Colony from the crisis with his political strategy and strong will. From the early days of the colony in Massachusetts Bay, winthrop attached great importance to safeguarding the autonomy rights granted to the colony by the colonial charter, and fought against various attempts by the British church and the king to control the colony. He firmly safeguarded the political independence of the colony in Massachusetts Bay. Winthrop also played an important role in the institutional construction of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and his political ideas played a great role in the formation of the political system of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was winthrop and others' efforts in the early construction of the Massachusetts Bay colony that made the Massachusetts Bay colony gradually move towards stability and prosperity. Winthrop's pioneering work laid the foundation for the stability of the Massachusetts Bay colony in the first 2 years and its prosperity in the next half century.

It should be pointed out that winthrop's contribution to the development of American history is not commensurate with his position in American historiography. No matter in his hometown of England or in the United States, where he worked hard, he was always forgotten for a long time, and his achievements were little known for a long time. It was not until the end of the 2th century that his English hometown, groton, knew something about him and his family's story, and the mansion and manor where his family lived were protected by the local government as historical sites. In the United States, winthrop's political achievements have long been buried in the history, which is not widely known. In view of this, some British and American scholars have long called for attention to his research. Back in the 19th century, John Fiske, a famous American historian, pointed out that there had never been a book about winthrop's life and achievements in detail. If there was such a book, people would realize that he was one of the greatest figures in American history. Edmund S Morgan, a contemporary American scholar, also called winthrop "the first great man in America" in an article published in The New York Book Review in 1997. Francis J. Bremer, an American scholar who specializes in the history of New England, published a treatise in 23, calling him "the forgotten founding father of America". As an early American historical figure, winthrop is far less famous in the United States than his contemporaries Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson and John Smith. The research on the history of American British North American colonies in Chinese academic circles is already weak, and the research on winthrop, an important figure in the early British North American colonies, is still in the state of being developed. Compared with the proper requirements of American history research, this situation is also extremely disproportionate. The author believes that the important field of studying American history is the study of American historical figures, especially the study of early American historical figures. As an important historical figure in the American British North American colonial period, winthrop undoubtedly has important research value. Therefore, on the basis of full possession of historical materials, the author makes a comprehensive study of John winthrop with the title "A Study of John winthrop, the Pioneer of American Civilization".

(1) There are two stages in life

First, winthrop in the early years

In p>1588, the British navy defeated the Spanish armada, the largest military power in Europe in the 16th century. This Anglo-Spanish naval battle is of epoch-making significance in modern European history. It marks the shift of Europe's center of gravity from the traditional Mediterranean world to the vast Atlantic ocean, which has changed the political, economic and geographical features of Europe since then, thus having a great impact on international relations. The victory of this naval battle showed the arrival of the British era, which opened up a broad prospect for the British colonial cause in the New World. In the eyes of the British, the victory over Spain, a Catholic country, foretold that God bless Protestantism in Britain, and the balance of God's love has since tilted towards Protestantism and Britain, which greatly enhanced the pride and self-confidence of the English nation.

John winthrop was born in this year. It is an interesting historical coincidence that Britain's first step towards world hegemony and winthrop's birth took place in the same year. On January 22nd, 1588, John winthrop was born in Edwardston, Suffolk, East England. Suffolk County is located in the heart of East Angles, bordering Norfolk in the north, Cambridge in the west, Essex in the south and the sea in vast expanse in the east. It is a famous historical and cultural county in Britain. East Angles are famous for their love of freedom and independence, and they are the most deeply influenced by Puritan culture. Britain's greatest politicians, scientists, theological scholars and artists have emerged here. In the Massachusetts Bay Colony, East Angles had the largest number of immigrants.

Second, winthrop in the period of Massachusetts Bay

On October 2, 1629, winthrop was elected as the president of the Massachusetts Bay Colonization Company. Subsequently, winthrop devoted himself to organizing and leading the unprecedented large-scale population migration overseas in British history. In the spring of 163, he led a fleet of immigrants to sail from Yarmouth to the New World. On June 12, 28, he landed in Salem, Massachusetts, and soon settled in Chaumatte Peninsula, which was later named Boston. Because the fundamental law of colonial companies, that is, the charter issued by the king and the company headquarters were moved to the New World with immigrants, the Massachusetts Bay colony was actually an autonomous colony with great autonomy, and the power to control and manage the colony was in the hands of the governor, deputy governor and counselors. In addition, the population of Massachusetts Bay Colony is far more than that of Plymouth Colony established in New England 1 years ago, and also more than that of other colonies in New England later. The large population makes the Massachusetts Bay Colony the most powerful colony in New England, so the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony has higher status and power than the governor of any other colony in his time. Winthrop lived in New England for 19 years until his death in 1649. Although he had several ups and downs, he remained a central figure in the political arena of the Massachusetts Bay colony. He saved the day several times and ensured the independence, stability and integrity of the colony.

From 1646 to 1649, winthrop served as the governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony for the third time. On March 26th, 1649, winthrop died in Boston at the age of 61.

winthrop's 19-year life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was a crucial period for the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The colony experienced three years of difficulties, initial prosperity, economic depression in 164, and political and economic independence. winthrop's thoughts and practical activities profoundly influenced the development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony during this period.

(II) background of the times

I. Declining monarchy

John winthrop lived through two dynasties in English history-the late Tudor dynasty (1485-163) and the early Stuart dynasty (163-1688). Tudor dynasty and Stuart dynasty respectively represented two completely different times in English history. Tudor dynasty, which lasted for 118 years, was the heyday of the development of British feudal monarchy, and was known as "the peak of the development of British orthodox society" and "a watershed in British history". Henry VIII's religious reform, the destruction of the Spanish armada, the defeat of the Catholic plot, the beginning of overseas expansion, the peak of the influence of traditional culture; Shakespeare and Marlowe, outstanding literary giants, Moore, the founder of utopian socialism, Bacon, the true ancestor of British materialism, and historical figures Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart and so on have emerged. These historical figures and events that have had a great influence in history undoubtedly prove that Tudor Dynasty is the golden age in British feudal history. If Tudor dynasty represents the most brilliant and mature period of monarchy, then Stuart dynasty witnessed the decline and decline of British monarchy. The Stuart dynasty experienced the British civil war and revolution that lasted for 2 years, the establishment of English * * * and political system, and the restoration of monarchy. Compared with Tudor dynasty, the 17th century ruled by Stuart dynasty was as bleak as a fallen star in the long river of British historical development. The corruption, incompetence and bossiness of the early Stuart rulers led to unprecedented sharp social contradictions in Britain. The turbulent situation, the bad economic situation and the unfavorable religious environment led a large number of British people to make a living overseas. From 193s to 194s, tens of thousands of British people left their homes and went to British colonies, which became a remarkable social phenomenon. It was during this period that John winthrop and a large number of Puritans left England and moved to New England in British North America, thus expanding the Massachusetts Bay colony.

Second, the bad economic situation

Since the 172s, the British woolen industry has experienced a serious crisis, and the depression of the woolen industry has spread to a wide area, affecting the national economy, regional economy and individual producers. The woolen industry in Tudor England was a pillar in the British national economy at that time, and its rise and fall was related to the lifeblood of the British economy at that time. In the early 172s, sir edward coke, a famous jurist, gave a vivid description of the importance of the British woolen industry. Kirk believes that "if all the goods exported by this kingdom are divided into ten parts, then the wool output accounts for nine parts." As long as the wool export stops, it means everything is finished. ..... The price of all wool is reduced by 12 pence per Todd (the old British weight unit, each Todd is equal to 28 pounds), which means that Britain loses 1, pounds. " The rise and fall of woolen trade has a great influence on the British economic development. Because woolen industry is in a particularly important position in the British economy, the decline of woolen industry will inevitably have a fatal blow to the British economy and society.

The depression of Suffolk woolen industry has affected the economic development of the whole county and winthrop personally. Affected by the depression of Suffolk's woolen industry, he mainly relies on capitalist agriculture to make a living, and he increasingly feels that it is difficult to support his family and make a living only by land income, so he has to find new ways to make money. He once left home for a long time as a guardian court lawyer in London, which greatly eased his financial difficulties. But the good times didn't last long, and he finally lost his job. Deeply aware of the difficult times, he wrote in 1629: "This land is tired of its residents. As the soul of all things, the value of people in this land is not comparable to the dust trampled under our feet, not comparable to cattle and horses ... Every town complains that there are too many poor people to afford."

Third, the unfavorable religious environment for Puritans

In 17th century England, religion was a particularly sensitive issue. The new dynasty, which began in 163, seemed to bring hope of reform to the English Puritans. The special concern expressed by Adam winthrop, winthrop's father, to the new monarch can reflect the Puritans' high hopes for James I. In his diary from March to July, 163, Adam recorded in detail the time and place of James VI's accession to the throne, the itinerary of entering England, his daily life and diet, the stories that happened along the way and his coronation as king of England. During the journey, the king accidentally fell off his horse. He wrote with concern in his diary: "The king fell off his horse and hurt his arm, which is very dangerous." Adam winthrop and other Puritans thought that James I, who grew up in Presbyterian Scotland and received Presbyterian education since childhood, would help them realize their ideal of pure religion and restore their status as Puritans. So, on the way to England's succession, the Puritans couldn't wait to present him with a "thousand-person petition" signed by nearly a thousand priests in 25 counties. The main content of this petition is to reform the etiquette of the Anglican church and achieve the goal of purifying the church.

In the 172s, the persecution of Puritans by the kingship and the Church of England affected John winthrop's hometown and winthrop family. Winthrop Jia