Did the English founded colonies in England to escape oppression?

Answer 1

No, although some of them founded colonies outside England for that purpose. When the whole "avoiding oppression," especially in religious matters, is played out in regard to English colonies, those are mostly the new world colonies that later formed the United States. In fact, that is one of the reasons why the First Amendment came to be listed first. However civilized England is otherwise, it has a state religion, because the Queen is, by definition, the head of the state church. Now, various times that has been a good thing and a less good thing, and the colonies were founded largely by those who found it less good.

But not entirely. Anglicans, and later Episcopalians, came here early in sufficient numbers to be influential in certain parts of the colonies. They just did not have -- or at least did not retain -- the political power they had in England.

But the framers of the Constitution tried their best to write a document that would avoid all forms of oppression, and was flexible enough to be amended, which increased its long-term power. It's been long enough now to acknowledge that they did a pretty good job.

Now all we need is a government small enough to fit inside the Constitution.

Answer 2

England founded colonies all over the world at a time when exploration beyond Europe and Asia was first initiated (approximately 1400's to 1800's). During this time, the most powerful countries in the world were considered to be so based on how much land they owned or ruled. So for the countries in Europe (where there is limited land) started building colonies in North America, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and in the South Pacific. The countries that built the most colonies were England, France and Spain.

English colonies included Australia, Canada, British Guinea, India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. The current Commonwealth encompasses a population of approximately 1.975 billion people in 53 countries, making up about 31% of the world's population.

Answer 3

Yes and no. For instance, the Pilgrims were searching for a place to freeze and starve to death. It was their way.