HISET Social Studies Practice

Why did the Pilgrims establish Plymouth Colony?

1. To expand trade routes

2. To seek political power

3. To find gold and silver

4. To seek religious freedom

The correct answer is: To seek religious freedom

The Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony primarily to seek religious freedom. In the early 17th century, a group of English separatists known as the Pilgrims felt persecuted for their beliefs by the Church of England. They wanted to escape the religious constraints and practices imposed by the established church, which led them to desire a place where they could worship freely and live according to their spiritual convictions. Their journey to the New World was not motivated by material wealth, such as finding gold or silver, nor was it about expanding trade routes or seeking political power, which were common motivations for other colonial endeavors. Instead, the Pilgrims aimed to create a society where they could practice their religion in peace, leading them to settle in Plymouth, where they established a community grounded in their spiritual ideals. This pursuit of religious freedom was a fundamental aspect of their venture and had significant implications for the development of the American values of liberty and religious tolerance.