Which American colony was founded by people who escaped religious persecution in England, engaged in farming, fishing, and whaling, and was led by John Winthrop?

• A. Massachusetts
• B. Virginia
• C. New York
• D. Maryland

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is recognizing which colony was founded by Puritans who fled religious persecution in England and were led by John Winthrop, with early economic activity centered on farming, fishing, and whaling in New England.

That description fits the Massachusetts Bay Colony. John Winthrop led the Puritan settlers who established this colony in 1630 after leaving England to practice their religion freely. They settled along the coastline of what is now Massachusetts, building towns that relied on small-scale farming, as well as fishing and whaling as important economic activities in the region. The leadership and religious mission of these settlers, along with their location and economic focus, distinguish this colony from others founded for different purposes and under other leaders. For example, Virginia was established mainly for profit, New York for trade and strategic reasons, and Maryland as a refuge for Catholics.