Final answer:
The major cultural difference between England and the first English settlements in North America was the higher level of religious freedom that the Puritans sought in the New World, leading to the establishment of communities focused on religious autonomy and strict adherence to reformed Protestant principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the major cultural differences between England and the first English settlements in North America was their levels of religious freedom. When comparing these two, it's evident that the English settlers in North America, particularly the Puritans, sought more religious autonomy than was available in England at the time. This pursuit of religious freedom led to the establishment of settlements such as Plymouth and the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where they could practice their beliefs more freely and build communities centered around their church congregations.
The Puritans aimed to create a new English Israel where they could live according to what they considered to be the true dictates of scripture, free from the influence of the Catholic practices they wished to purge from the Church of England. In contrast, back in England, although there was some level of religious dissent, the established Church of England maintained a relatively tight control over religious practices.