The Puritans were a group of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who sought to reform the Church of England. They believed that the church needed to be purified of remnants of Catholicism and emphasized a strict interpretation of the Bible. Many Puritans faced persecution in England, leading some to migrate to the New World, particularly to areas like Massachusetts. In America, the Puritans established communities based on their religious beliefs, focusing on hard work, education, and moral living. They played a significant role in shaping early American society and culture, influencing aspects such as education, government, and religious practices.