U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What was a significant reason for the establishment of Massachusetts Bay?

1. To expand trade routes

2. To seek religious freedom

3. To establish a royal government

4. To escape political persecution

The correct answer is: To seek religious freedom

The establishment of Massachusetts Bay was primarily driven by the desire for religious freedom. The Puritans, who settled in this region in the 1620s, sought to create a community where they could practice their faith without interference from the Church of England. They faced persecution and restrictions on their religious practices in England, which motivated them to migrate to the New World in search of a place where they could freely worship and create a society based on their religious beliefs. This objective was central to the founding of Massachusetts Bay, as the colonists aimed to build a "city upon a hill" that would reflect their values and serve as a model for others. While trade routes and commerce did become important aspects of the colony's development, the foundational motivation centered around the quest for a space to worship freely. The establishment of a royal government was not an initial goal, as the Puritans sought self-governance grounded in their religious principles. Additionally, while political persecution was a factor leading some groups to the New World, the distinct identity of Massachusetts Bay is deeply linked to the Puritans' pursuit of religious liberty.