What is one reason European colonists came to the Americas?

European colonists came to the Americas for various reasons, and one of the most significant motivations was the pursuit of religious freedom. Many groups faced persecution in their home countries due to their beliefs and sought a place where they could practice their religion freely without fear of retribution. For example, the Puritans and Pilgrims, who were dissenters from the Church of England, specifically sought a new land where they could establish communities based on their religious principles.

While some colonists were drawn by factors like economic opportunities or forming alliances with Native Americans, the quest for religious freedom stands out as a primary motivator that influenced the establishment of several colonies and shaped the cultural and social landscape of early America. This desire for a sanctuary where they could worship according to their own convictions is a key aspect of the narrative of European colonization in the New World.