William Bradford wanted to leave Holland and journey to America for several reasons. One of the main reasons was the desire for religious freedom. Bradford and his fellow Puritans, known as Separatists, had originally fled England due to religious persecution and had found refuge in Holland. However, they were concerned about their children assimilating into Dutch society and losing their English identity and religious practices. They also felt that they were not able to fully practice their faith as they desired in Holland. Therefore, they decided to seek a new home where they could establish a Puritan society based on their own religious beliefs.
Additionally, the Separatists faced economic challenges in Holland. They found it difficult to find stable employment and support themselves financially. They believed that by establishing a new colony in America, they could have better economic opportunities, potentially even starting their own profitable ventures like farming, fishing, and trade.
Lastly, Bradford and the other Separatists were motivated by an adventurous spirit and a desire to establish a new and better life for themselves and their families. The New World represented a fresh start, where they could build a community based on their own principles and visions. They saw America as a land of opportunity and hope for a better future.
Why did William Bradford want to leave Holland and journey to America?
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