What is the Difference Between Puritans and Pilgrims?

The Pilgrims and Puritans were both groups of English religious reformers who settled in America, but they had distinct differences in their beliefs and motivations:

1. Separation from the Church of England: Pilgrims were separatists who rejected the Church of England and sought to establish their own congregations. They first settled in Plymouth, Mass., in 1620. On the other hand, Puritans were non-separatists who aimed to reform the Church of England and restore early Christian society. They established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630.
2. Religious Beliefs: Both groups were motivated by their religious convictions and desired to purify their church by applying the principles of the Protestant Reformation. However, the Pilgrims were more forgiving and tolerant towards others, while the Puritans believed in their God-given superiority and were less willing to cooperate with local Native American tribes.
3. Colonial Settlements: The Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and later set up trading posts on the Kennebec River in Maine, on Cape Cod, and near Windsor, Conn. The Puritans, who came to the Americas in greater numbers, settled most of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and areas of Long Island.

In summary, the main differences between Pilgrims and Puritans lie in their attitudes towards the Church of England, their religious beliefs, and their colonial settlements. While both groups were motivated by their religious convictions, the Pilgrims were separatists who sought to establish their own congregations, whereas the Puritans aimed to reform the Church of England and restore early Christian society.

Comparative Table: Puritans vs Pilgrims

Here is a table highlighting the differences between Puritans and Pilgrims:

While both groups were influenced by the teachings of John Calvin and sought religious freedom, their differences in governance, beliefs, and social status set them apart.