In The Crucible, why had the settlers begun to turn toward individualism?

Miller brings out an interesting reason as to why the
people of Salem had become more individualistic.  In the extensive Act I stage
directions, Miller contrasts Salem with its colonial counterpart of Jamestown.  Whereas
Salem was more animated by theology, Miller suggests that Jamestown was motivated by
economic prosperity.  This desire for material wealth helped to create a singular focus
of self- interest in the new world.  At the same time, Miller shares that the English
crown had revoked land charters in Salem.  This helped to feed the individualistic and
unhealthy lack of community in the setting.  It is for this reason that people like
Putnam are so motivated by wealth and by consolidating power, a tendency seen in Parris,
Danforth, and Abigail.  It seems that the individualistic condition present with
materialism in Virginia as well as the fear of losing one's own holdings in Salem
colluded to create a sense whereby individuals sought greater hold on what they had,
perceiving their neighbors as a threat and in the process, making it easier to create
such conditions whereby the accusations of witchcraft could fly with relative
ease.