What was the main purpose of the New England Confederation established in 1643?

The New England Confederation, formed in 1643, primarily aimed to join the colonies for mutual defense against external threats, particularly from Native American tribes and potential encroachments by the Dutch and French. This alliance was crucial as the individual colonies often faced vulnerability from these external pressures, and they recognized the need for a collective approach to security. The Confederation included Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, which all had a shared interest in safeguarding their settlements.

The context of the time period shows that cooperation among the colonies was essential, given the limited military resources and the challenges posed by their respective environments. This unity laid the groundwork for future cooperation among the colonies, ultimately contributing to a sense of collective identity, which would later be significant in the push for independence from British rule.