The story of America is a captivating tapestry woven from the threads of countless individuals and events. But to truly understand the nation's character, we must travel back in time, to a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for all that followed: the arrival of the Puritans in the 17th century. These English Protestants, yearning for religious freedom, set sail across the vast Atlantic Ocean, their hearts filled with a fervent faith and a vision for a new life. They weren't simply seeking a new place to live; they dreamt of a "city upon a hill," a beacon of righteousness and a model society built on strict religious principles.