Final answer:
William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony, sought religious freedom in the New World, aiming to practice Christianity without the interference of the Church of England and propagate his faith while maintaining English identity and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Bradford's Purpose for Coming to the New World
William Bradford, a notable Separatist, embarked on a journey to the New World in search of religious freedom and the opportunity to practice his beliefs without interference. The Mayflower voyage was motivated by the Pilgrims' desire to find a place where they could live in accordance with their religious convictions, which differed from the Church of England. Bradford hoped to propagate the gospel of the kingdom of Christ and laying foundations for a society governed by their religious ideals. Additionally, the Mayflower Compact, which Bradford signed, was a manifestation of the Pilgrims' communal ideal and indicated their intentions of establishing a society rooted in their faith and democratic principles.
Bradford's narrative suggests that the trip was also driven by practical concerns for their English identity and safety, as they previously lived in Holland and feared assimilation into Dutch culture, along with potential conflicts back in Europe. Their goals aligned with those of previous settlers and explorers who sought to promote Christianity and European values in the New World, as stated in the Charters of Roanoke Island, the Chesapeake colonies, and the Massachusetts Bay Company. Bradford's leadership as governor of the Plymouth Colony further solidified these objectives, demonstrating a clear vision for a new society based on religious freedom and missionary work among the indigenous peoples.