Anne Hutchinson

Impact of Anne...

 

Within four short years, Anne Hutchinson had a considerable impact on religion and society in the Puritan colony of Massachusetts Bay. Anne challenged the compliance to social norms and sparked confrontation in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Anne believed if you were selected by God, you did not have to comply with human laws, and ideology that threatened the Boston Church and Massachusetts. Hutchinson gave little concern to those who did not agree with her and she was not afraid to express her true feelings. Anne's strong willed personality had much more impact than she could have ever imagined.

 

One of Anne's greatest impacts was her contribution to women's rights. Hutchinson's views and her growing reputation as a leader, especially at a time when women were not allowed to speak or teach in public, were understood as a threat to the stability of the colony. Anne challenged the gender roles at the time by speaking her views and holding meetings. Not only women were attending Anne's meetings, but men were as well, which was a big step for women's rights at the time. Anne has inspired many women's rights activists such as Susan B. Anthony, Elanor Roosevelt, and Elizabeth Cady Staton.

 

Besides women's rights, Hutchinson spoke out for the less powerful. In Massachusetts, the only people with power were male members of the Boston church, leaving out women, outsiders, or other religions. Anne spoke her opinions and believed she had the same amount of authority as the others. She even said she had the authority to interpret the bible, while interpretation was only for ministers. Anne's fight for their rights in court represented the future of American democracy, giving everyone the opportunity to challenge the government.