Final answer:
The Pilgrims left the Netherlands for North America to practice their religion without interference, maintain their English identity, and avoid potential Spanish attacks. They aimed to propagate their faith, and the Mayflower Compact they signed reflected their religious motivations and political ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pilgrims sought to leave the Netherlands and establish a new colony in North America primarily for religious reasons.
They aimed to separate from the Church of England, which they believed had not adequately distanced itself from Catholic practices. Their goal was to practice their religion freely and to propagate their faith.
The Pilgrims, known as Separatists, initially moved to the Dutch Republic to find religious freedom but were concerned about losing their English identity and a potential Spanish attack. Hence, they secured permission from the Virginia Company and the English Crown, and in 1620 set sail on the Mayflower to North America.
The Mayflower Compact, which they signed before landing, underscored their desire to establish a society for 'the glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country,' but it also laid the foundation for self-government and the principles of direct democracy.