Question

which english colony was settled in the early 1600s primarily by men seeking economic opportunity?

a.) massachusetts bay
b.) plymouth
c.) jamestown
d.) maryland

Explanation:

Analyze the question and options

The question asks to identify which English colony settled in the early 1600s was established primarily by men seeking economic opportunity.

Evaluate the motivations for each colony

• Massachusetts Bay (1630): Settled primarily by Puritans seeking religious freedom and to establish a model Christian community ("City upon a Hill").
• Plymouth (1620): Settled by Pilgrims (Separatists) seeking religious freedom from the Church of England.
• Jamestown (1607): Established by the Virginia Company of London, a joint-stock company. The initial settlers were almost entirely men and boys seeking gold, wealth, and economic advancement.
• Maryland (1634): Founded by Lord Baltimore as a proprietary colony, primarily serving as a refuge for English Catholics.

Determine the correct choice

Jamestown fits the criteria perfectly: it was settled in 1607 (early 1600s) by male colonists whose primary objective was financial gain and economic opportunity.

Answer:

• a.) Massachusetts Bay
• b.) Plymouth
• c.) Jamestown (Correct answer)
• d.) Maryland