settled in large numbers in New England in order to avoid persecution and worship without oppression.

Answer 1

The Pilgrims settled in large numbers in New England in order to avoid persecution and worship without oppression. They were a group of English Separatists who wanted to separate completely from the Church of England, which they believed was corrupt and not in line with their religious beliefs. However, they faced harsh persecution in England for their religious views and practices.

Seeking religious freedom, the Pilgrims first migrated to the Netherlands in the early 17th century. While they found relative freedom there, they struggled to maintain their distinct English identity and had concerns about the influence of Dutch culture on their children. Therefore, they decided to establish a new colony in a place where they could fully practice their faith.

In 1620, the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower and landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Here, they established the Plymouth Colony, which became one of the first successful permanent English settlements in North America. The Pilgrims were able to worship freely and establish a society governed by their own religious principles.

Their successful settlement in New England inspired other religious groups seeking freedom, such as the Puritans, who arrived later in larger numbers. Together, these settlers contributed to the development of New England as a region known for its religious tolerance and emphasis on individual liberty.