What is the difference between theravada and mahayana

Theravada focuses on the teachings of the Buddha through strict meditation, while Mahayana tradition aimed to incorporate newer teachings into the practice.

Explanation:

Theravada focuses on the teachings of the Buddha through strict meditation and the Buddha’s Eightfold Path to Enlightenment. Theravada Buddhists strive to become Arhats and gain freedom from the cycle of samsara.

Mahayana tradition aimed to incorporate newer teachings into the practice. It also gave laypeople the chance to reach Enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhists may choose to stay in the cycle of samsara out of compassion for others.

The puritans came over to establish a new colony free from religious persecution. most came as families or to establish families. 

farther south, men came out to "build a fortune" growing cash crops (hence the severe shortage of women)