Dominion of New England

Quick Facts: Who was Dominion of New England?

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Dominion of New England

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A short-lived English administrative union governing New England and Mid-Atlantic Colonies (1686–1689).

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Origins & Early Life

The Dominion of New England in America (1686–1689) was a short-lived administrative union of English colonies covering all of New England and the Mid-Atlantic Colonies, with the exception of the Delaware Colony and the Province of Pennsylvania. The region's political structure was one of centralized control similar to the model used by the Spanish monarchy under the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The dominion was unacceptable to most colonists because they deeply resented being stripped of their rights and having their colonial charters revoked. Governor Edmund Andros tried to make legal and structural changes, but most of these were undone and the Dominion was overthrown as soon as word was received that King James II had vacated the throne in England. One notable change was the forced introduction of the Church of England into Massachusetts, whose Puritan leaders had previously refused to allow it any foothold.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Dominion encompassed a very large area from the Delaware River in the south to Penobscot Bay in the north, composed of the Province of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plymouth Colony, Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut Colony, Province of New York, the provinces of East Jersey and West Jersey, and a small portion of Maine. It was too large for a single governor to manage. Governor Andros was highly unpopular and was seen as a threat by most political factions. News of the Glorious Revolution in England reached Boston in 1689, and the Puritans launched the 1689 Boston revolt against Andros, arresting him and his officers. Leisler's Rebellion in New York deposed the dominion's lieutenant governor Francis Nicholson.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After these events, the colonies that had been assembled into the dominion reverted to their previous forms of government, although some governed informally without a charter. King William III of England and Queen Mary II eventually issued new charters. A number of English colonies were established in America and in the West Indies during the first half of the 17th century, with varying attributes. Some originated as commercial ventures, such as the Virginia Colony, while others were founded for religious reasons, such as Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts Bay Colony and Rhode Island Colony. The governments of the colonies also varied.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1686: 1686 Milestone — The Dominion of New England in America (1686–1689) was a short-lived administrative union of English colonies covering all of New England and the Mid-Atlantic Colonies, with the exception of the Delaware Colony and the Province of Pennsylvania.
2. 1689: 1689 Milestone — News of the Glorious Revolution in England reached Boston in 1689, and the Puritans launched the 1689 Boston revolt against Andros, arresting him and his officers.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Dominion of New England

True or False: “The Dominion of New England was immediately accepted by all colonists because it promised greater economic freedom.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Most colonists deeply resented the dominion because they felt their established rights were being stripped away and their existing colonial charters revoked.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Aphra Behn — Historical peer (Died in 1689) (1689): Pioneering English writer, poet, and spy of the Restoration era.
• Christina, Queen of Sweden — Historical peer (Died in 1689) (1689): Queen of Sweden, known for her intellect, patronage, and dramatic abdication to Rome.

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