Final answer:
Massachusetts was settled by Puritans seeking religious freedom, and in 1691, it became a royal colony, absorbing the territories of Maine and Plymouth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical facts stated in the passage about Massachusetts are related to its settlement and governance. Massachusetts was settled by Puritans seeking religious freedom. The Puritans valued education because of their belief in needing to understand scripture, which made education a critical part of the colony's life. The Massachusetts Bay Colony saw significant growth during the seventeenth century and became large and prosperous, eventually becoming a royal colony in 1691, when it absorbed the territories of Maine and Plymouth, and New Hampshire also became a royal colony independent of Massachusetts.
Additionally, it is important to note that the Puritans were not explorers seeking gold like some other English settlers; they were fleeing from religious persecution. Also, Massachusetts had a temporary governing body in the form of the Massachusetts Bay Company, which required church membership rather than land ownership for service in the legislative assembly, contrasting with other colonies such as Virginia.