The Pilgrims and the Mayflower

Introduction

• Year: 1620
• Key figures: Pilgrims (also known as Separatists)
• Location: Present-day Massachusetts
• Significance: Major impact on American history

Background of the Pilgrims

• Frustration with the Church of England (Anglican Church)
• Emergence of the Separatists
  • Wanted to worship freely
  • Faced religious persecution in England
• Initial escape to the Netherlands
  • Settled in Leiden, Holland
  • Desired a home where they could live as Englishmen
  • Concerned about their children assimilating to Dutch culture

Journey to the New World

• Atlantic Crossing
  • Departure: September 6, 1620, from Plymouth, England
  • Ship: Mayflower
  • Passengers: 102 people (only about 40 were actual Pilgrims)
  • Duration: 66 days
  • Initial destination: Near Hudson River (Virginia Company)
  • Actual landing: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Challenges and Governance

• Disputes among passengers regarding governance
• Mayflower Compact
  • Signed on November 11, 1620, by 41 adult male colonists
  • Purpose: Establish governance and social order
  • Key points of the Compact:
    • Loyalty to King James of England
    • Upholding Christian faith
    • Forming a self-governing society
  • Elected John Carver as the first governor
  • Length: Approximately 200 words
  • Significance: Foundation for self-government in America

Survival and Relations with Indigenous People

• Harsh winter of 1620-1621
  • Survival rate: Only about 50 out of 102 survived
• Assistance from Wampanoag tribe
  • Squanto helped with farming new crops
  • Chief Massasoit signed a treaty with the Pilgrims
  • Agreement: Pilgrims would defend the tribe
• First harvest celebration in Fall 1621
  • Led to the establishment of Thanksgiving by President Lincoln in 1863

Conclusion

• Legacy of the Pilgrims
• Continued impact on American history and culture
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