Great as these migrations were and important as their effect was on the course of history, they did not compare with the stream of humanity that began to flow to this country early in the seventeenth century—a stream that assumed flood proportions toward the close of the nineteenth century. Not only did the movement of peoples to our shores differ in magnitude from other migrations, it also differed in character. Whereas earlier mass migrations had consisted of the movements of tribes and distinct racial groups, the migration to the New World consisted of men of all races, nations, and creeds—a pageant of all the nations. _Great Historic Freedoms_ What motives impelled these people to uproot themselves from their homelands and to transplant themselves to a country where it was necessary to adjust themselves to a new environment and culture pattern? Many came for the love of adventure, answering the challenge of the unknown. Some were mercenary soldiers seeking new exploits. Others came because they were friendless down-and-outers and “ne’er-do-wells,” seeking a chance to begin life anew. There were still others, like the Negroes, who although the majority did not come of their own free will, nevertheless contributed toil and labor to the making of America. Commercial enterprise and the hope of economic gain have, of course, been important factors in the peopling of our country. So also has the search for freedom. In fact, the cherished moral ideals and objectives of the immigrants laid the foundations of our democratic ideals. These great historic freedoms include: 1. _Religious liberty_—freedom of conscience. 2. _Personal and political liberty_—freedom from political tyranny and oppression. 3. _Economic liberty_—freedom to use brain, brawn, and initiative to earn the best living possible. 4. _Intellectual liberty_—freedom of opinion, speech, assembly, and press. 5. _Cultural liberty_—freedom to establish institutions and to practice certain traditions and customs. The _search for human freedom_ can be advanced, with historical warrant, as the basic reason for the presence in this country of about 130,000,000 people. Without question, this is the common denominator of our democracy. _Religious Liberty_ The vanguard of those seeking refuge from religious persecution arrived on the Mayflower and settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. John Winthrop founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a refuge for Puritans. Maryland, later on, became the haven for persecuted Catholics. Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams and his group of independent, religious free thinkers. Here, the Quakers found a ready welcome and the Jews, driven out of Europe, were allowed to build their synagogues. Toward the end of the seventeenth century, William Penn and his Quaker followers settled in Pennsylvania and cultivated the most friendly relationships with Indians, colonists, and new settlers alike.