Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AP US History Exam. Dive into multiple choice and essay questions with explanations to enhance your understanding. Achieve exam success with confidence!

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What was the primary motivation of the Puritans who migrated to America?

To create new economic opportunities
To escape religious persecution
To convert Native Americans to their faith
To purify their religion

The correct answer is: To purify their religion

The primary motivation of the Puritans who migrated to America was to purify their religion. The Puritans sought to reform the Church of England by eliminating practices they viewed as corrupt or not biblically based. They believed that they could establish a "city upon a hill" in New England, a community living according to their strict interpretations of Christianity. This movement was rooted in their dissatisfaction with the church's hierarchy and rituals, which they considered too similar to Catholicism. While escaping religious persecution and seeking economic opportunities were also factors for some, the main driving force behind the Puritan migration was their desire for a religious society that reflected their beliefs. Their ultimate goal was to create a model Christian community, separate from what they saw as the corrupting influences of the Church of England and the wider society. Thus, their motivations were inherently linked to their desire to establish an environment where they could practice their faith freely and in accordance with their ideals.