Anne Hutchinson As A Woman In The Massachusetts Bay Colony

Anne Hutchinson was an intelligent, freethinking woman who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1634. She can easily be perceived as one of the first leaders in Women’s Rights in history. Hutchinson was one of the first women to express her opinions on religion publically, which was not permitted at that time. Her strong will and opinions eventually led to her excommunication from the church and banishment from the Colony. Anne Hutchinson was an independent thinker who led many discussions on her religious beliefs. Since the members of the Massachusetts Bay Colony had migrated there searching for religious freedom, it is ironic she was condemned for having her own views simply because she was a woman. Anne Hutchinson is one of the first …show more content…
Women were considered “The maids and birthed babies.’ They did not have a say in anything. So, for Hutchinson to go out and speak so negatively about the church was a huge deal. She typically held meetings in her home because she did have such a big following. Many enjoyed the open conversation and self-expression afforded at her meetings. Unfortunately to the Puritan Leaders, what Anne did was considered treason. At her trial, she was pregnant with her 16th child, but she put her foot down and would not change her views. She was banished from Massachusetts Bay colony. Hutchinson and her husband relocated to Roger Williams colony of Rhode Island. This colony was based on religious tolerance. Then in 1642 she and her family moved to New York where after a year she and most of her family were killed in an Indian …show more content…
She held well attended meeting recognizing the beliefs of John Cotton. She encouraged discussion of a “spirit centered theology.”(history.com) But it was Hutchinson’s medical knowledge as a nurse and midwife that allowed her to discuss her religious beliefs with the women of the colony. This gave them the ideas to explore their own beliefs and opinions, which in turn could influence their husbands. Without her influence women in Colonial America would have been forced to maintain the subservient role forced on them by the puritan leaders. Ann e Hutchinson is one of the first women in American history to think on her own and attempt to voice her thoughts and opinions publically. Anne Hutchinson was in the center of The Antinomian Controversy of 1636-1638. She held well attended meeting recognizing the beliefs of John Cotton. She encouraged discussion of a “spirit centered theology.”(history.com) But it was Hutchinson’s medical knowledge as a nurse and midwife that allowed her to discuss her religious beliefs with the women of the colony. This gave them the ideas to explore their own beliefs and opinions, which in turn could influence their husbands. Without her influence women in Colonial America would have been forced to maintain the subservient role forced on them by the puritan leaders. Anne Hutchinson is one of the first women in American history to think on her own and attempt to voice her