Beginning in the early-sixteenth century, the British, in an effort to expand upon the nation’s global dominance and wealth, rapidly set out to colonize newly discovered land in North America. Lured by the potential for a better life, families signed up to make the treacherous voyage across the Atlantic. The New England colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay beckoned immigrants with the promise of religious tolerance and financial gain. In time, challenges arose for the colonists in the region as Britain’s mercantilist restrictions threatened their ability to thrive. Armed with their newly found religious and economic liberties, the colonies of New England found ways to overcome Britain’s trade-based sanctions and emerged a resilient, strong, and independent region.
The political and religious atmosphere of Britain during the late 1620s prompted the migration of Puritan families to the New England colonies where they could worship freely. In order to escape persecution, Puritan families set sail to North America in search of religious freedom. Thousands of immigrants arrived in New England to establish religious-centered communities where they could live out their covenant with God. This free reign of religious practice provided a sense of comfort …show more content…
Both Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies provided settlers with a host of opportunities to earn a living and profit from a strong local economy. In addition to selling needed supplies to the growing number of immigrants arriving to the area, New England colonists found financial gain in farming and lumber. The region’s fertile coast provided the colonists with commercial fishing, shipbuilding, and other marine-related enterprises. This robust and diversified economy helped establish a profitable, self-sufficient, and strong economy for the colonists in the