The Lord Of Misrule (Throwback)
Throughline
Deep Dive
Why was Thomas Morton exiled from the Puritan colonies in Massachusetts?
Morton was exiled for drinking, carousing, and building social and economic ties with Native people, which the Puritans saw as crimes.
What was the title of Thomas Morton's book, and why was it considered radical?
The book was titled 'New English Canaan.' It offered a vision for America that was different from the Puritans', advocating for better relations with Native people.
How did the Puritans react to Morton's book being printed in London?
Puritan agents stormed the press and destroyed every copy of the book to prevent its publication.
What was the Great Dying, and how did it affect the Wampanoag people?
The Great Dying was a plague brought by European traders that devastated the Wampanoag, killing tens of thousands and leaving many villages empty.
Why did the Pilgrims view Thomas Morton as a threat?
The Pilgrims saw Morton as a threat because he traded guns with Native people, which they feared would empower the natives against them.
What was the significance of the maypole incident at Marymount?
The maypole incident symbolized Morton's defiance against Puritan strictness and his celebration of life's pleasures, which deeply offended the Pilgrims.
How did Morton's book, 'New English Canaan,' portray Native people?
Morton's book portrayed Native people as more humane and respectful than the English, highlighting their hospitality and charity.
Why did Morton's allies fail in their plan to militarily invade Massachusetts?
Their plan failed when the ship they were building fell apart and sank in the docks before it could leave England.
How did the publication of Morton's book influence later American writers?
Writers like Nathaniel Hawthorne and John Adams were influenced by Morton's book, which presented a counter-narrative to the dominant Pilgrim story.
Why is the story of Thomas Morton and his book important for understanding American history?
Morton's story shows that early America was not a monolithic narrative but a contested space where different visions for the future clashed.
- Thomas Morton's arrival in New England and establishment of Marymount.
- Morton's positive relationships with Native Americans.
- The Pilgrims' negative reaction to Morton and his actions.
- Morton's first exile from New England.