Puritan leaders were influential figures in the early 17th century who sought to reform the Church of England. They believed in a strict interpretation of the Bible and emphasized personal piety, moral integrity, and community responsibility. Key leaders included John Winthrop, who became the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and Thomas Hooker, known for founding Connecticut. These leaders played a crucial role in establishing Puritan communities in New England, where they implemented their religious beliefs into daily life and governance. Their emphasis on education led to the founding of schools and colleges, such as Harvard University, to promote literacy and religious instruction.