What social and religious motives shaped the Puritan settlements in New England?

• A. They aimed to create a strong centralized monarchy.
• B. Puritans sought to practice their religion freely and build a modeled Christian community.
• C. They sought immediate wealth from mining.
• D. They aimed to isolate from family life.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is why the Puritans moved to New England: they wanted to practice their religion freely and build a community governed by their Christian beliefs. In England, they faced pressure to conform to the Church of England, so migrating gave them a chance to worship without interference and to shape society according to their religious ideals. In the colonies, they emphasized church-centered town life, moral discipline, and education to create a “godly” community that could serve as a model for others. While economic opportunities existed, the driving motive was the desire for religious liberty and a tightly knit, biblically guided society.