Pilgrims:
- Came to America in 1620 on the Mayflower
- Primarily motivated by religious freedom and a desire to establish a "pure" Christian society
- Separatists who believed the Church of England was corrupt and sought to create their own independent church
- Established the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts
- Known for their communal lifestyle and the "Mayflower Compact," which established a framework for self-government
Puritans:
- Came to America in the 1620s and 1630s
- Initially motivated by a desire to reform the Church of England from within, but later became separatists
- Believed in predestination and the idea of a "covenant" with God
- Sought to establish a "city upon a hill," a model Christian society, and a "New Jerusalem" in the New World
- Established the Massachusetts Bay Colony and other settlements in New England
- Known for their strict adherence to religious and moral codes, as well as their political influence
Quakers:
- Emerged in England in the mid-17th century
- Also known as the Society of Friends
- Believed in the "Inner Light," the idea that every individual has a direct connection with God
- Pacifists who refused to participate in war or swear oaths
- Emphasized simplicity in dress, speech, and lifestyle
- Came to America in the late 17th century, primarily to escape persecution
- Established Quaker colonies in Pennsylvania and other areas
In summary, while Pilgrims, Puritans, and Quakers shared some commonalities, they also had distinct beliefs, motivations, and practices. Their contributions to American society have left lasting impacts on the religious and cultural landscape of the United States.