GED Social Studies TestU.S. HistoryEasy
A historian is analyzing the motivations behind the founding of the Plymouth Colony in 1620. Which of the following factors was a primary driver for the Pilgrims' decision to establish a settlement in North America?
- ATo establish military outposts for the British Crown and expand its territorial claims.
- BTo seek economic opportunities through gold mining and fur trading.
- CTo conduct scientific research on the native flora and fauna of the New World.
- DTo escape religious persecution and establish a society based on their own beliefs.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To escape religious persecution and establish a society based on their own beliefs.
The Pilgrims, a group of Separatists, sought to practice their religion freely, which was not permitted in England. They established Plymouth Colony to create a society aligned with their religious convictions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Establishing military outposts was not the primary goal of the Pilgrims; their focus was on religious and social autonomy.
- B. While some colonists sought economic gain, the primary motivation for the Pilgrims was religious freedom.
- C. Scientific research was not a primary motivation for the Pilgrims' colonization efforts.
Pilgrims' Motivation
The Pilgrims, a group of English Separatists, founded Plymouth Colony in 1620 primarily to escape religious persecution and establish a society where they could practice their faith freely.
- Sought religious freedom from the Church of England.
- Established Plymouth Colony in 1620.
- Desired to create a new society based on their religious beliefs.
Memory trick: Pilgrims' primary purpose: practice piety, not profit or power.