What was one reason colonists came to America?

One reason colonists came to America was for religious freedom. During the 17th century, various religious groups in Europe faced persecution and discrimination. For example, Puritans and Pilgrims in England sought to escape the oppressive religious practices imposed by the Church of England. They believed that America would provide a place where they could practice their faith freely without fear of persecution. This desire for religious tolerance and the opportunity to establish communities based on their beliefs played a significant role in the migration of these groups to the New World.

While economic opportunity and other factors contributed to colonization, the pursuit of religious freedom stands out as a foundational motivation for many early settlers in America.