Final answer:
People came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony for religious freedom and economic opportunities. Puritans sought a society that embraced their religious views, while economic growth was facilitated by the colony's emphasis on industry and community-driven governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main reasons people came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony (MBC) from England were in search of religious freedom and economic opportunity. The Great Migration, which saw an influx of 80,000 English to Massachusetts Bay, included many Puritans seeking to live in a society structured around their religious principles. As only official church members, or "visible saints," could be freemen and serve in the colony's government, religious life was a central concern. Additionally, economic prospects in the New World were very attractive, with England's population surge leading to overcrowding and poverty for many at home. The Massachusetts Bay Colony offered a new start for families and individuals eager to build prosperous communities based on industries apart from the tobacco farming that was significant in Virginia and Maryland.
In contrast to other colonies, such as Virginia which was established with commercial intent, the MBC and other New England colonies were largely settled by people seeking to escape religious persecution. Education and industry were highly valued in these colonies, creating a culture of self-sufficiency and community governance, centered on Puritan ideals. This desire for religious self-determination combined with the opportunity for economic advancement led to the rapid growth and prosperity of the Massachusetts Bay Colony throughout the seventeenth century.