The age of exploration brought about the discovery of a land filled with hopes, dreams, and for many, a better life. The New World was raided by English settlers, engendering a society that would later be renown for its religious tolerance and civil liberties. Although settlers sought financial reward, it was not their main priority. The persecution of various religious sects and the quest for religious freedom greatly incited the emigration to British North America.
1620 marked the year of the first successful North American settlement founded by ordinary Europeans; thus, there was no charter by the English government. The English government was urged on by the desire for wealth, while ordinary Europeans settled because of religious concerns. Plymouth Colony was established by Pilgrims in what is now modern-day Massachusetts. The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who broke away from the Church of England because they felt that "it did not complete the work of the Reformation."" Considered heretics, they could anticipate no mercy in England. In the New World, however, religion could be practiced freely. .
Another group called the Puritans were also commonly harassed. Puritans wanted to "purify- the church of any remaining traces of Catholicism. Puritans in England were subject to being treated as inferiors. Puritan leaders or preachers would be imprisoned or even executed. Those who held high positions in society found themselves gradually getting disapproval. For example, John Winthrop, a man who dedicated his life to building a haven for his fellow Puritans, was soon fired from his government position. Unlike the Pilgrims, however, the Puritans did believe that the Anglican Church was the true church. They believed that the church needed drastic changes and hoped that their establishment of a reformed church would encourage a modification in the Church of England -- back in their homeland.
