What did the Puritans want to find in America?
The Puritans, a group of English Protestants who sought religious freedom, embarked on a journey to the New World in the early 17th century. Their migration to America was driven by a desire to establish a society based on their strict religious beliefs and practices. But what exactly did they hope to find in the land they called the “New World”? This article delves into the motivations and aspirations of the Puritans as they sought to create a utopian society in America.>
The Puritans, also known as the Pilgrim Fathers, were a religious reform movement that emerged in the late 16th century. They sought to purify the Church of England from what they believed to be remnants of Catholicism. Their goal was to restore the church to its original, biblical form. However, their efforts to reform the church were met with resistance, leading many Puritans to seek a new beginning in the New World.
One of the primary reasons the Puritans wanted to find in America was religious freedom. In England, the Church of England was the state religion, and dissenters like the Puritans faced persecution and discrimination. They believed that America would provide them with the opportunity to practice their faith without interference from the government or the Anglican Church.
Another motivation for the Puritans was the chance to create a new society based on their strict moral and religious values. They envisioned a community where everyone lived according to the Bible and adhered to a high standard of ethics. This idealistic vision of a “city upon a hill” was meant to serve as a model for the rest of the world, demonstrating the benefits of living a virtuous life.
The Puritans also sought economic opportunities in America. The New World was seen as a land of abundance, with fertile soil and natural resources that could support their growing population. They hoped to establish profitable farms and trade routes, which would help them achieve financial stability and independence from England.
In addition to these goals, the Puritans were driven by a sense of destiny and a belief in their chosen mission. They saw themselves as God’s chosen people, destined to spread their faith and build a new nation in the New World. This sense of purpose and destiny fueled their determination to overcome the challenges they faced during their journey and in the establishment of their colonies.
The Puritans’ search for a better life in America was not without its difficulties. They encountered harsh conditions, including disease, conflicts with Native Americans, and the struggle to adapt to a new environment. Despite these challenges, their perseverance and commitment to their ideals helped them establish successful colonies, such as Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay.
In conclusion, the Puritans wanted to find in America a place where they could practice their religion freely, create a society based on their moral values, and achieve economic prosperity. Their journey to the New World was driven by a combination of religious fervor, economic ambition, and a sense of destiny. The legacy of the Puritans in America is a testament to their determination and the impact they had on the development of the United States.>
