The settlements of Virginia and Massachusetts were colonies established fairly close together, but the paths taken by the two leading up to their independence greatly differed. In the beginning Virginia had difficulty establishing a strong and permanent settlement; this lasted for nearly two decades. Massachusetts, in comparison, was extremely successful because of their lack of certain obstacles and their religious motivation. Freedom from religious persecution motivated the Pilgrims to leave England; Puritan merchants obtained a charter for the Massachusetts Bay Company. In addition a unique provision allowed for the company to be located outside of England. This gave puritans the opportunity to leave a status of a harassed minority and create their own self government in Massachusetts. In addition, the settlers made better decisions as a whole and in representation of their beliefs that shaped the development of their new settlement. Whereas Virginia was initially established to compete with Spain's settlement of New Spain. The London investors of the Virginia wanted to expand English trade and obtain a wider market for English manufactured goods. They naturally hoped for financial profit from their investment in shares of company stock.
Both Virginia and Massachusetts settlers came in contact with natives