A search for a better life was a primary motive in the immigration of the early Pilgrims to present day America. There was talk of the “New World” throughout England, and as soon as people began to hear of this wonderful new land, many wished to sail to the recently founded settlements. Several of the people who strongly wished to leave for the New World either believed that England was holding them back, or that they were being oppressed by taxes and unfair laws. This resulted in their wanting to begin a new life for themselves as well as their families. After word of the New World traveled through England, it was these people who were the first to set sail.

Although leaving England was easier said than done, and those who did not have much money had to find an alternate method of travel. One such method was employing themselves in a company for a set number of years. As soon as those wishing to leave England had found a place on a ship, they would set sail in search of what they hoped would be a better life. Numerous Pilgrims who had left for the New World were under the impression that its settlements were places with ample resources and fertile soil; however, they soon found that life in the colonies was difficult. Many people who came to America in order to build a better life for themselves as well as their families succeeded, but many more failed and were forced to return to England.