In early colonial America, what was a major driving force for the establishment of New England colonies?

The establishment of the New England colonies was predominantly driven by religious motives, particularly the desire for religious freedom and the quest for a society based on Puritan values. Many of the early settlers, such as the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower and the Puritans, sought to create communities that aligned with their spiritual beliefs and ideals. They faced persecution in England for their religious practices and sought to establish a "city upon a hill" where they could live according to their interpretations of Christianity without external interference.

This religious motivation influenced various aspects of life in New England, including governance, community structure, and social norms. The settlers aimed to build a society grounded in their religious convictions, which played a crucial role in shaping both the culture and the political landscape of the region. Consequently, while aspects like economic trade or territorial expansion did play a role in the broader colonial context, it was primarily the pursuit of religious sanctuary that motivated the founding of the New England colonies.