The initial reasons for settlement in New England differed significantly from those in the surrounding English colonies, particularly in terms of religious motivations.
Most settlers who came to New England, particularly the Puritans and Pilgrims, were motivated primarily by the desire for religious freedom and the opportunity to create a society based on their religious beliefs. The Puritans, who arrived in the early 1620s and 1630s, sought to escape the religious persecution they faced in England and to establish a "city upon a hill" — a community that reflected their values and beliefs. This desire for a distinct religious identity and community was central to the founding of New England.
In contrast, many settlers in the surrounding English colonies, such as Virginia and the southern colonies, were primarily motivated by economic factors. The opportunities for land, wealth through agriculture (notably tobacco in Virginia), and trade were significant draws. While some individuals in these colonies also sought religious freedom, such motivations were often secondary to economic aspirations.
In summary, while New England settlers were primarily driven by religious motives, settlers in the surrounding English colonies were largely motivated by economic opportunities and the pursuit of prosperity.
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