In reality, the majority of them were businesses—profitable businesses. Corporations were quite uncommon at the period, and obtaining one required a charter from the King of England. The Massachusetts Bay Company, which received a royal license and founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1628, included one of my ancestors as an investor and owner. By the 1630s, it had drawn over 20,000 people and was highly popular. Most of the others operated in a similar manner.
King James II attempted to put them under closer crown authority by combining them into a Dominion of England, but following his overthrow, they resumed operating by their respective royal charters.
These very charters were a contributing factor in their disputes with Parliament, which sparked the Revolution. A royal charter served as the King's permission to do business independently of politics. In his honor, it granted a number of rights and liberties. The colonies believed Parliament was infringing on their rights.
Thanks,
Eddie
