Final answer:
Puritan writers vilified Native Americans due to religious beliefs, cultural differences, and the desire for land and resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Puritan writers took great pains to vilify Native Americans as bloodthirsty savages due to a combination of religious beliefs, cultural differences, and the desire for land and resources.
Religiously, Puritans saw themselves as the chosen people who were building a new Christian utopia in America. They viewed Native Americans as an obstacle to this mission and saw their practices and beliefs as savage and barbarous.
Culturally, Puritans had a different way of life and worldview compared to Native Americans. They didn't understand or appreciate Native American customs and traditions, which led to a negative portrayal of them in their writings.
Economically, Puritans sought to expand their settlements and acquire more land and resources. By depicting Native Americans as savages, they justified their displacement and mistreatment.