Puritans

Real World Example

Puritans were English Protestants seeking to "purify" the Church of England from practices they viewed as too similar to Catholicism during the 16th and 17th centuries. During the Age of Absolutism, they played a significant role by challenging the absolute power of the monarchy, advocating for religious simplicity, and emphasizing personal Bible reading. Their actions mattered because they helped lay the groundwork for religious freedom and democratic ideals. Today, their legacy influences modern society through the emphasis on education, as they founded schools and colleges in America to ensure literacy for Bible reading. An example is Harvard University, initially established by Puritans, which continues to be a prestigious institution promoting education and critical thinking.