Conclusion.The Trans-Atlantic movement of European migrants was motivated by a desire to gain freedoms, such as economic freedom or religious freedom. The destination of the New World provided many freedoms to those willing to take the journey. However, the colonists experienced many hardships and in some cases their freedoms were more restrictive or restrictive in different ways post-migration. The ability to practice religious freedom for the Puritans, and to practice sovereignal freedom for the colonists of Georgia were newfound freedoms in the New World. Other freedoms, however, each group was forced to forfeit unexpectedly.
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Georgia The citizens of the Georgia colony were offered an opportunity to go to the New World and start a new life without the financial burdens that prevented their freedoms in Europe. However, upon arrival, the people encountered restrictions on their personal freedom, as well as the dangers and perils that were not outlined. Discontent continued with the governing body ignoring requests for improvements and changes to the laws of the land. Although the colonists were no longer dying in prison for their debt, they were not truly free. The government controlled much of their lives, and it was not a fair environment for the new colonists. Eventually, the government folded and allowed the ownership of slaves and rum, and the colony continued to grow and prosper. With the restrictions placed on them in the New World, the colonists learned to create a better life for themselves. The pro: Financial burdens erased, free from imprisonment The con: Individual freedoms limited |
Puritans There are many reasons for the Puritans or “separatists” as they are known to have fled their homes and venture towards a new beginning and a foreign land. However, placing a singular focus on religious freedoms would not explain it fully. Therefore, it is important to mention that political, economic, and religious freedoms all factored to the decision for Puritans, Pilgrims, and separatists alike to make the journey (1, 2). These men and women fled their country in hopes of building a new system to include political, economic, and religious liberties previously unknown to them. They built a community where they could practice what they believed in. Although, through this establishment, many rules and restrictions were placed on the colonists. A hierarchical society controlled them from within and all individuals were expected to conform to a certain belief. Very little personal freedom was allowed, but to many it was still better than the world they came from. The pro: Religious beliefs were reformed to their standards, could practice life how they imagined The con: Minimal personal freedom |
Sources: (1) Addis, C. (2015, December 11). Protestant Reformation & America. Retrieved November 21, 2018, from http://sites.austincc.edu/caddis/protestant-reformation-america/ (2) Nussbaum, M. C. (2009). Liberty of Conscience: In Defense of America's Tradition of Religious Equality. Retrieved November 27, 2018. |