/kloc-in the first half of the 0/7th century, groups of British immigrants came to the northern United States and settled in Massachusetts, collectively known as "New England". The vast majority of immigrants are Protestants persecuted by religion in Britain, mainly Puritans. These people came to the United States to seek religious freedom and political freedom that they did not have at home. Their first job after they settled down was to set up their own church, which, according to British tradition, was responsible for education.