Final answer:
The Puritans sought to reform the Church of England, leading to conflicts that resulted in their migration to New England to establish Calvinist-based communities. John Milton was a prominent figure supporting republican and Puritan ideals during the English Civil War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Puritans played a significant role in the religious and political turbulence of England in the 16th and 17th centuries. Conflicts emerged as the Puritans sought to 'purify' the Church of England of its perceived Catholic remnants, which was seen as a threat to the traditional festive culture and the authority of the monarchy. This group pushed for reforms that included the eradication of practices such as wearing Catholic robes during church services and making the sign of the cross during baptism. They also opposed the hierarchical structure of the Church of England and instead believed that churches should be governed by elected elders.
Due to increasing pressure to conform to the Church of England and perceived as a national security threat for their opposition, many Puritans emigrated to the New World, particularly to New England, where they could freely practice their Calvinist-based Protestantism. This resulted in the foundation of colonies like Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay. Moreover, John Milton, a renowned English poet and intellectual, was indeed involved with the Puritans.