How Did The Protestant Reformation Promote Colonization

The Protestant Reformation gave rise to dissenting sects who aggressively sought to worship according to their own ideas instead of conforming to the religious uniformity required by the Anglican Church. Non-conforming religious sects were persecuted as being treasonous to the king. These people sought to escape to America where vacant land and great distance from the mother country offered them a place to settle and follow their own consciences in religious matters. Economic considerations were undoubtedly the most effective in promoting colonization. 1) Among these was the accumulation of surplus capital and the profit motive. Wealthy businessmen sought opportunities to invest their money. Joint-stock companies sold shares of stock to venturers