What was the primary reason for the English Separatists traveling aboard the Mayflower?

The primary reason for the English Separatists traveling aboard the Mayflower was to escape religious persecution. The Separatists were a group of Puritans who sought to break away from the Church of England because they believed it was not reformable and that they were unable to practice their faith freely. Faced with intense scrutiny and oppression, they sought a new land where they could worship according to their own beliefs without fear of persecution.

Choosing to sail to America in 1620, they aimed to establish a community where they could exercise their religious beliefs openly and without government interference. This quest for religious freedom ultimately shaped early American history and is reflected in the founding principles of the nation. The journey was not primarily motivated by economic factors, trade routes, or territorial exploration; rather, it stemmed from a deep desire to find a safe haven for their faith and community.