Religion
Religion played a large role in the settling and founding of many of the American colonies. Plymouth Colony was largely founded by Separatists Pilgrims (people who wanted to separate from the Church of England). Massachusetts Bay Colony was settled by Puritans who were being persecuted in England. Rhode Island and Connecticut were both founded by religious leaders who wanted religious freedom beyond that of Massachusetts. Pennsylvania was founded by the Quakers and Maryland was founded as a safe haven for Catholics.