Motivations to Settle in the American Colonies free essay sample

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 islocate 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. We will write a custom essay sample on Motivations to Settle in the American Colonies or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Some colonies were founded solely on religion and encouraged more to do the same. The â€Å"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 Baltimore) had fled from religious persecution of the Protestants in England. Later Protestants followed seeking some of the wealth from tobacco, influencing the development of the Maryland Toleration Act to guarantee endurance of the Catholics. In addition, the Quaker advocate William Penn obtained the proprietorship of Pennsylvania to establish a tolerant environment with religious freedom based on political and ethical standards. Furthermore, the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island were established from other colonies as a religious refuge for nonconformists. In an effort to increase population for the purpose of more profits, several colonies began using religious diversity as a lure to attract immigrants. New York and New Jersey, and eventually Pennsylvania, utilized these tactics for this reason. North Carolina and South Carolina also used these methods of persuasion to increase the sugar plantations to bring in more revenue for their colonies. Moreover, Georgia was set p for debtors and outlaws, but yet its first settlers were German Lutherans and Calvinists escaping religious persecution in their homeland. Thus religion is still yet the motivator in all these cases. Although, one obvious cause for economic motivation was in the early 17th century when the poverty level affected immense numbers of peasants; thus these people, being poverty-stricken and discouraged, succumbed to life as indentured ser vants in exchange for their independence and manual labor to make this long treacherous journey in hopes of finding a safe haven in the New World . Overall, religious concerns had more of an impact on enticing immigrants to make the ultimate decision of settling in the New World. While some people were in search for riches (such as Monarchs and joint-stock companies) to enhance the wealth of their homeland; the majority were seeking refuge from the overwhelming magnitude of discontent due to strict guidelines on their religion, constant persecution, and an never ending display of controversy between faiths. This still continues to be an undying dream for all people trying to find their true individuality and freedom of conscience.