The best explanation for why colonial settlers first went to Plymouth Colony, Maryland, and Pennsylvania is to secure freedom from religious persecution.
- Plymouth Colony was founded by Protestant Separatists (Pilgrims) who fled religious persecution in England and the Netherlands, seeking to worship freely and establish a community with religious freedom.
- Maryland was established as a haven for English Catholics who faced persecution in Anglican England, providing a place where they could practice their faith freely.
- Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a proprietary colony offering religious freedom to Quakers and many other religious groups fleeing persecution, attracting diverse settlers seeking tolerance.
Thus, all three colonies were primarily motivated by the desire for religious liberty and refuge from persecution. This common purpose best explains why settlers chose these specific colonies.