The Puritans, seeking religious freedom and a new beginning, left England for America in the early 17th century, embarking on a journey that shaped not only their own lives but also the course of American history. While the Mayflower Pilgrims and the Puritans often were confused as one entity, they indeed were separate groups with distinct motivations and fates.

Introduction of the Puritans and Pilgrims

When people think of the early settlers in America, the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony often come to mind. However, the group commonly referred to as the Pilgrims, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, were not technically Puritans. They were Separatists, a subset of the Puritan movement that sought to separate entirely from the Church of England. The Puritans, on the other hand, aimed to reform the Church from within and were not seeking to separate from the Anglican Church.

Why Did They Leave England?

The Puritans left England for America for several reasons. Chief among these was the desire to worship as they pleased, without interference from the Church of England and the Crown. The English crown and Church often clashed, leading to Puritans facing persecution and censorship. Many feared for their religious and personal freedoms, prompting them to leave for a land where they could practice their beliefs freely.

Settlement in America

The Puritans and the Mayflower Pilgrims settled in different regions. The Pilgrims, more accurately described as Pilgrims of Plymouth, settled in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. In contrast, a larger group of Puritans settled into the Massachusetts Bay Colony, around 1630. Both settlements thrived, contributing significantly to the development of early American society.

The Fate of Puritans in America

Once established in America, the Puritans faced challenges and hardships themselves. Despite these, the majority chose to remain in the New World. Today, 35 million people in the United States can trace their ancestry back to the original Plymouth Pilgrim settlers. While some later returned to England for business purposes, most made their lives in America and contributed to the rapid growth of the New England region.

Some notable figures, such as Myles Standish and Edward Winslow, did return to England at various points, but their primary purpose was often business rather than a desire to flee the colony. Puritan immigration to America generally stopped after 1648, when the Commonwealth of England was established. During this period, many Puritans returned to England, including Henry Vane, who became a significant political leader during the Commonwealth.

Conclusion

Despite the initial push from the crown and the difficulties in the New World, the Puritans and the Pilgrims stayed, laying the foundation for religious freedom and contributing to the rich tapestry of American society. Their journey from England to America was one of resilience, faith, and determination, and their legacy endures to this day.