The Founding of New England. Pulitzer Prize for History 1922 . Illustrated

The Founding of New England by James Truslow Adams is a classic and influential study of the early English settlements in North America, awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1922. With clarity, scholarship, and literary grace, Adams explores the religious, economic, and political motivations that shaped the founding of New England in the 17th century. Focusing on the Puritans, Pilgrims, and other early colonists, the book examines how their ideals—combined with practical needs and harsh realities—led to the development of unique social and political institutions. Adams details the relationships between settlers and Native Americans, the conflicts with both England and rival colonies, and the forging of a distinct New England identity. More than just a regional history, The Founding of New England captures the roots of American democratic thought, community organization, and independence. It remains a foundational work for understanding the early colonial experience and its enduring impact on the American character.