Name two of the problems in Holland that led to the separatists sailing to America
Two of the problems in Holland that led to the separatists sailing to America were religious persecution and economic challenges.
1. Religious Persecution: The separatists, also known as the Pilgrims, were seeking religious freedom from the Church of England. In Holland, although they found a more tolerant society compared to England, they still faced religious persecution and struggled to maintain their English identity and cultural practices. They felt their children were adopting Dutch customs and feared losing their English heritage. Their desire to establish a separate English community with religious freedom played a significant role in their decision to sail to America.
2. Economic Challenges: The Pilgrims faced economic challenges in Holland, particularly in finding stable and lucrative employment. Many struggled to find work that sustained their families, as they were largely confined to low-paying jobs. Additionally, they faced high taxes and declining economic conditions, resulting in financial instability. The idea of seeking economic opportunities and establishing their own self-sufficient colony in America became attractive to the Pilgrims.