Which group founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630?

The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded in 1630 primarily by a group known as the Puritans. This group sought to create a community based on their religious beliefs, aiming to establish a "city upon a hill" that would serve as a model of purity and piety. Unlike the Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth a decade earlier and were separatists seeking to break away from the Church of England entirely, the Puritans sought to reform and purify the church from within.

The Quakers, who emerged later in the 17th century, had different beliefs and were known for advocating religious freedom and egalitarian principles, which did not align with the Puritanical governance of Massachusetts. The Dutch were primarily focused on commercial interests in North America, particularly in areas like New Amsterdam, and played no significant role in founding Massachusetts. Understanding the distinct motivations and characteristics of these groups helps clarify the significance of the Puritans in establishing the colony and shaping its early governance and social structure.