What was the primary reason Thomas Hooker left the Massachusetts Bay colony and founded the
Connecticut colony?
(1 point)
• His religious ideals conflicted with the Puritan beliefs.
• He desired to move further inland where soil was better for farming.
• He thought the government had too much power.
• He was forced out by Native Americans
The primary reason Thomas Hooker left the Massachusetts Bay colony and founded the Connecticut colony was because he believed the government in Massachusetts had too much power.
The primary reason Thomas Hooker left the Massachusetts Bay colony and founded the Connecticut colony was because he thought the government had too much power.
To determine the primary reason why Thomas Hooker left the Massachusetts Bay colony and founded the Connecticut colony, we can consider each option and evaluate its significance in his decision-making process.
1. His religious ideals conflicted with the Puritan beliefs.
Thomas Hooker did have disagreements with the Puritan leaders in Massachusetts Bay regarding religious and political matters. However, while this may have played a role in his decision, it is not considered the primary reason for his departure.
2. He desired to move further inland where soil was better for farming.
The fertility of the land in Connecticut was indeed a factor in his decision. Hooker and other settlers were attracted to the Connecticut River Valley, which offered better agricultural opportunities compared to the coastal regions of Massachusetts Bay. This factor contributed to his motivation to establish a new colony but is not deemed the primary reason.
3. He thought the government had too much power.
Thomas Hooker did harbor concerns about the concentration of power among the Puritan leaders of the Massachusetts Bay colony. He believed in the idea of representative government and equal rights, which clashed with the strict rule of the Puritans. This dissatisfaction with the government played a significant role in his departure and contributes to the primary reason.
4. He was forced out by Native Americans.
There is no historical evidence to suggest that Thomas Hooker was forced out of the Massachusetts Bay colony by Native Americans. This option can be eliminated as a reason for his departure.
In conclusion, while factors like disagreements in religious ideals and the desire for better farming conditions influenced Thomas Hooker, the primary reason he left the Massachusetts Bay colony and founded the Connecticut colony was his belief that the government had too much power.