Contrasting Motives for Settling Massachusetts Bay Colony and Jamestown

What were the motives for settling Jamestown and Massachusetts Bay Colony?

Could you provide evidence to support these motives?

Motives for Settling Jamestown and Massachusetts Bay Colony

The motives for settling Jamestown were primarily driven by financial interests, while the settlers of Massachusetts Bay Colony sought religious freedom. Evidence for these motives can be found in historical documents and writings from that time period.

When contrasting the motives for settling Jamestown and Massachusetts Bay Colony, it is evident that they were fundamentally different. The Jamestown colony, founded in 1607 in Virginia, was established with the primary goal of financial gain. The London Company, which received a charter from the King of England, aimed to profit from the trade of goods and resources between the colony and Europe.

However, Jamestown faced significant challenges, leading to the death of over 80% of its population. This outcome reflects the colony's focus on monetary interests rather than sustainable settlement practices.

In contrast, Massachusetts Bay Colony, established in 1630 by the Puritans seeking religious freedom, had a different motive. The settlers, known as the Pilgrims, founded the Plymouth Colony before merging into Massachusetts Bay Colony. Evidence of their motive can be found in the writings of William Bradford, particularly in "Of Plymouth Plantation."

The desire for religious liberty motivated the settlers of Massachusetts Bay Colony to create a community where they could practice their beliefs without persecution. This fundamental difference in motives between the two colonies shaped their development and long-term success.