Many of the original English colonists (including the Pilgrims in Plymouth and the Puritans in Massachusetts Bay Colony) were religious people who disagreed with some practices of the Church of England. Why did these groups want to settle colonies in the New World?

Question

A.
to pursue religious freedom and financial opportunities
B.
to escape religious persecution from foreign rulers
C.
to avoid taxation and punishment from government officials
D.
to create new forms of democratic government

Answer 1

The best answer is: A. to pursue religious freedom and financial opportunities.

The Pilgrims and Puritans sought to establish colonies in the New World primarily to escape religious persecution they faced in England, allowing them to practice their faith freely. Additionally, many colonists were also motivated by the prospect of economic opportunities available in the New World.