- Religious freedom: Many of the colonists were Puritans who were seeking to escape religious persecution in England. They wanted to be able to practice their religion freely, without fear of being punished by the government.
- Economic opportunity: The New World offered many economic opportunities that were not available in England. There was an abundance of land, which could be used for farming and other agricultural purposes. There were also many natural resources, such as timber, fish, and minerals, that could be exploited.
- Adventure: Some colonists were simply looking for adventure and a new start in life. They were drawn to the New World by the promise of a new and better future.
- Political freedom: Some colonists were dissatisfied with the political situation in England. They wanted to be able to have a say in the government of their own colony, and they believed that the New World would offer them this opportunity.
In addition to these reasons, many colonists were also influenced by the writings of explorers and adventurers such as Christopher Columbus and John Cabot. These men wrote about the wonders of the New World, and their stories helped to inspire many people to make the journey across the Atlantic Ocean.