John Hutchinson's Rights Case Analysis

In 1636, the town of Providence was founded by Roger Williams, a firm believer in separation of church and state. Rhode Island became a welcoming place for all who fled from religious persecution (Tindall, 47). In contrast to Roger Williams, John Winthrop found the persecution of Catholics, Anglicans, Quakers, Baptists and many others justifiable since he was enforcing the “true religion” (45). Although there was disagreement on separation of church and state, the inferiority of women was widely agreed upon. Women were to serve and obey their husbands as well as care for the children. Winthrop stated that a “true wife” would only find happiness through complete obedience to her husband. Women barely had any rights in the community due to social …show more content…
She was married to an important business man and had thirteen children. She is known for holding her own and standing up for herself despite her gender (47). In 1617, she was brought before John Winthrop in Court. By reading the transcript of the court case, it becomes very obvious that Hutchinson is not only well aware of the Bible, but also her own rights. When asked why she has a meeting convene at her home, she replies by basically stating “because I can”. The officials were worried that she was teaching and encouraging women not only to think for themselves but to speak up for themselves. The purpose of this script is to keep a record of all the trials and legal events that occurred. The court case was documented for future reference as well as history purposes. It seems as though more and more individuals were developing their own ideas and sharing them with their friends and family. Naturally, this would not be pleasant news to Winthrop, since he “prized stability and order” (45). This specific primary source is significant because it not only gives insight into religious practices and their relationship to government, but how women were perceived in that era. The disrespect given to Anne