- Reasons for coming to America: religious freedom, escape persecution for their beliefs, create a "New Jerusalem"
- Attitudes/beliefs: strong religious convictions, strict moral code, belief in predestination, emphasis on hard work and thrift, suspicion of outsiders, sense of divine mission
Cavaliers:
- Reasons for coming to America: economic opportunities, social status, adventure
- Attitudes/beliefs: aristocratic social structure, emphasis on honor and reputation, love of luxury and leisure, strong sense of tradition, loyalty to the Crown
Indentured servants:
- Reasons for coming to America: escape poverty or debt in England, chance for a new start
- Attitudes/beliefs: desire for economic betterment, willingness to work hard, often treated as second-class citizens
Merchants:
- Reasons for coming to America: economic opportunity, trade
- Attitudes/beliefs: profit-driven, often willing to take risks, saw America as a land of opportunity
Explorers:
- Reasons for coming to America: curiosity, desire for fame and glory, search for wealth
- Attitudes/beliefs: adventurous, daring, often willing to risk their lives, saw America as a land of mystery and potential