- Disease: The colonists were not immune to the diseases that were common in the Americas, such as smallpox, measles, and diphtheria. These diseases killed many of the colonists, especially in the early years of the settlement.
- Hunger: The colonists often faced food shortages, especially in the winter months. They had to rely on their own crops and hunting to survive.
- Hostile Native Americans: The colonists often had to contend with hostile Native American tribes. These tribes were often displaced from their traditional lands by the colonists, and they resisted the colonists' attempts to settle in their territory.
- Religious persecution: The Puritans were persecuted for their religious beliefs in England, and they came to America to escape this persecution. However, they still faced religious intolerance from some of the other colonists.
- Political conflict: The colonists had to establish a government that was acceptable to all of them. This was difficult to do, as the colonists had different ideas about how the government should be structured.
Reasons for the success of the Puritan colonists:
- Strong religious faith: The Puritans were deeply religious people who were committed to their faith. This faith helped them to overcome the challenges they faced.
- Hard work: The Puritans were hard-working people who were willing to sacrifice to build a new life in America. They were also skilled farmers and craftsmen.
- Community: The Puritans had a strong sense of community. They worked together to build their settlements and support each other in times of need.
- Leadership: The Puritans had strong leaders who were able to guide them through the challenges they faced. These leaders included John Winthrop, who was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.