Question: the articles of confederation of the united colonies of new england

title: New England Confederation
text: The United Colonies of New England , commonly known as the New England Confederation , was a short - lived military alliance of the English colonies of Massachusetts Bay , Plymouth , Connecticut , and New Haven . Formed in May 1643 , its primary purpose was to unite the Puritan colonies in support of the church , and for defense against the Native Americans and the Dutch colony of New Netherland . It was the first notable milestone on the long rocky road towards colonial unity . It was established as a direct result of a war that started between the Mohegan and Narragansetts . Its charter provided for the return of fugitive criminals and indentured servants , and served as a forum for resolving inter-colonial disputes . In practice , none of the goals were accomplished .