What was the primary purpose of the Massachusetts Bay Company?

The Massachusetts Bay Company was primarily established to take advantage of economic opportunities, particularly in the context of the 17th-century New England colonies. The company was founded in 1628 by a group of Puritans who were seeking to escape the political and religious climate in England. While the religious motivations of the founders were significant, they also saw the potential for economic prosperity through agriculture, trade, and the natural resources of the New World.

The company aimed to create a thriving settlement that would allow its members to establish a new society with economic stability. This focus on economic opportunities was essential in attracting settlers and investment, leading to the successful establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which became one of the most influential colonies in New England.

Therefore, while other aspects such as religion did play a role in the establishment of the colony, the primary driving force behind the formation of the Massachusetts Bay Company was indeed the pursuit of economic advantages in a new territory.