How does what Bradford calls and ldquothe first foundation of their government in this place and establish a Puritan community from the beginning as one that excludes strangers?

Answer 1

In Bradford's account, the first foundation of their government is rooted in a covenant among the Puritans, which emphasized their shared religious values and communal goals. This framework inherently excluded strangers, as it prioritized the interests and beliefs of the Puritan settlers over those of outsiders. The establishment of laws and governance based on their specific religious principles reinforced a sense of identity and separation from others, solidifying their community as one that viewed itself as distinct and self-contained. This exclusivity shaped their social dynamics and interactions with non-Puritans and indigenous peoples, often resulting in isolationist tendencies.