Motivations to Settle in the American Colonies Essay Example
Motivations to Settle in the American Colonies
Sailing across the Atlantic to access all the possibilities for religious, social,
economic and political liberty, promoted by the colonies, had its risks. These risks
seemed insignificant compared to the aspirations of a more hopeful and liberal life. Even
though some colonies showed economic potential, they still used religious diversity as a
motivational tool. Besides, the New World offered a remarkably tolerant environment for
those seeking an escape route from religious persecutions and conflicts; also an avenue to
dislocate from the interference and control of the government. Therefore, religious
freedom was more an incentive to settle in the American colonies than the outlook for
economic attainment.
Lutheranism paved the way by means of the Protestant Reformation causing
much controversy among religions and instilling new aspirations in people; thus leading
to the exploration and development of colonies in the New World. This was a great
movement that had an astounding effect on the future generations of settlers to come.
Some colonies were founded solely on religion and encouraged more to do the same.
The “Pilgrim” colony of Plymouth, Massachusetts was influenced by the Separatists (so
named for separating from the Church of England), who had not found religious
contentment in Holland either and departed for the freewill atmosphere of America.
Another group of Puritans, the Massachusetts Bay Company which included many people
of substantial wealth and position, followed in their steps. On the other hand, they, under
the leadership of John Winthrop, hoped to unite together in an effort to restore the church
through their settlement being a model of undying faith and godliness. Yet another
colony established for exclusive, religiously motivated purpose was Maryland. The
Roman Catholics, under George Calvert (Lord
Sailing across the Atlantic to access all the possibilities for religious, social,
economic and political liberty, promoted by the colonies, had its risks. These risks
seemed insignificant compared to the aspirations of a more hopeful and liberal life. Even
though some colonies showed economic potential, they still used religious diversity as a
motivational tool. Besides, the New World offered a remarkably tolerant environment for
those seeking an escape route from religious persecutions and conflicts; also an avenue to
dislocate from the interference and control of the government. Therefore, religious
freedom was more an incentive to settle in the American colonies than the outlook for
economic attainment.
Lutheranism paved the way by means of the Protestant Reformation causing
much controversy among religions and instilling new aspirations in people; thus leading
to the exploration and development of colonies in the New World. This was a great
movement that had an astounding effect on the future generations of settlers to come.
Some colonies were founded solely on religion and encouraged more to do the same.
The “Pilgrim” colony of Plymouth, Massachusetts was influenced by the Separatists (so
named for separating from the Church of England), who had not found religious
contentment in Holland either and departed for the freewill atmosphere of America.
Another group of Puritans, the Massachusetts Bay Company which included many people
of substantial wealth and position, followed in their steps. On the other hand, they, under
the leadership of John Winthrop, hoped to unite together in an effort to restore the church
through their settlement being a model of undying faith and godliness. Yet another
colony established for exclusive, religiously motivated purpose was Maryland. The
Roman Catholics, under George Calvert (Lord