Why did the pilgrims leave England?
The Pilgrims left England in the early 17th century for religious reasons. They were part of a group known as the Separatists, who wanted to separate from the Church of England and establish their own independent congregations. They faced persecution and were unable to freely practice their religious beliefs in England, so they sought a new life and religious freedom in the New World. Ultimately, they settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620, where they established the Plymouth Colony.
The pilgrims, a group of English Separatists known as the Pilgrim Fathers, left England for several reasons. Here are the steps explaining why they made the decision to leave:
1. Religious Persecution: The primary reason for their departure was religious persecution in England. The pilgrims were dissenters from the Church of England and believed in separating from it entirely. They faced persecution and harassment from the authorities who sought to enforce religious conformity.
2. Escape to Holland: In search of religious freedom, many of the pilgrims initially fled to the Dutch city of Leiden. Here, they found relative religious tolerance and were able to practice their faith more freely. However, they faced challenges in adapting to the Dutch society and the fear of losing their English identity.
3. Concerns about their Children: The pilgrims grew increasingly concerned about the impact of Dutch culture on their younger generations. They worried that their children were assimilating too much into the Dutch society, potentially losing their English language, culture, and values.
4. Economic Difficulties: Apart from the religious and cultural concerns, the pilgrims also faced economic challenges in Holland. It was hard for them to find satisfying work and provide for their families. Some feared that they might become an economic burden on the Dutch welfare system.
5. Decision to Settle in America: After considering various factors, the pilgrims decided to embark on a new journey to the New World, which later became known as America. They sought a place where they could establish a new community based on their religious beliefs, practice their faith freely, and build a better life for themselves and their future generations.
In summary, the pilgrims left England due to religious persecution, sought religious freedom in Holland, but faced cultural assimilation and economic difficulties, leading them to make the decision to settle in America.