"Do you think England sent their best?" great 3:00 video with close captions

[misanthrope]

50. Exactly

There is way too much broad brush condemnation in these comments.

Virginia wasn't founded by religious extremists. They were there to make money and exploit what they saw a resources ripe for the taking. The culture that crept across the Tidewater region emulated England's landed gentry system. It wasn't remotely egalitarian.

Meanwhile, only 37 of the Mayflower's 102 passengers were Pilgrims. The rest wanted new lives in America but not for religious reasons.

Also, some of the characteristics of New England culture which seem most stereotypically American -- focus on grassroots self-governance, importance of quality public education, disdain for wealth-based hierarchy and royalty -- are a product of the region's religious founders.