How did New England Puritans influence early Presbyterianism in America?

New England Puritans played a foundational role in the development of early American Presbyterianism. In the 17th century, those Puritans who preferred the presbyterian system of church government over the prevailing New England Congregationalism were responsible for establishing the earliest Presbyterian churches in the American colonies.1

These Puritan Presbyterians became a core component of the emerging church, which was a blend of their influence alongside Scotch-Irish, Welsh, and other settlers. Their specific contributions included:1

• Emphasis on Christian Life: Unlike the Scotch-Irish, who prioritized doctrine and the Westminster Confession as the primary basis for the church, the New England Puritans regarded the Christian life as the church's foundation.1
• Governance Views: They advocated for superior church courts to possess only limited and fixed powers.1
• The Great Awakening: During the 18th-century Great Awakening, these Puritans—often referred to as the "New Side"—became strong proponents of religious revivals. Their pro-revival stance led to a significant schism within the church from 1741 to 1758, during which their numbers grew substantially before eventually reuniting with the more conservative "Old Side" Scotch-Irish group.1