Why did english settlers colonize new england in the mid-1600s?

English colonies popped up along the eastern seaboard for a variety of reasons to escape religious persecution and because they had very fertile soil for farming.  

Explanation:

The New England Colonies were founded to escape religious persecution.  The middle colonies were also called 'Breadbasket colonies" because of their fertile soil, idea for farming.  

freedom of speech is also protected by the 1 amendment.

explanation:

here is pretty much what the 1st amendment says:

congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

c. troops marched forward in close formation against newer, more accurate weapons