What was a primary reason for the Great Migration of settlers to Massachusetts?

The Great Migration of settlers to Massachusetts, particularly during the 1630s, was significantly driven by the desire to escape religious persecution. Many of these settlers were Puritans who faced oppression and discrimination in England due to their religious beliefs and practices. The Puritans sought a place where they could freely practice their faith without interference from the Church of England or the monarchy.

Massachusetts provided an opportunity for these individuals and families to create a new society based on their religious ideals, ultimately leading to the establishment of a theocratic community centered around their Puritan values. This motivation was distinctively prominent compared to other reasons for migration, such as economic opportunities, adventure, or land acquisition, which were certainly factors but did not primarily drive the mass migration to Massachusetts during this time period.