In 1620, the Mayflower crossed the Atlantic, taking over two months to reach Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The Pilgrims' story is often linked with the "first Thanksgiving" and has become a founding story in American culture, overshadowing the 1607 Jamestown settlement.
The common narrative of Pilgrims seeking religious freedom is misleading; instead, they sought freedom from the Church of England's constraints.
The Pilgrims and Their Motivation
Known as Puritans or Separatists, they wanted to separate from the Church of England, which they saw as corrupt.
King James I enforced religious uniformity, penalizing non-compliance with fines and imprisonment.
Pilgrims sought a "pure" church, initially fleeing to Amsterdam in 1608 due to Dutch tolerance for radical Protestants.
The Journey to the New World
By 1617, the Pilgrims were looking to relocate again, aiming to settle near the Hudson River.
Thomas Weston, a London banker, promised to fund their journey, but only raised the funds late and insisted on non-Puritan voyagers joining them.
The Mayflower set sail disastrously late, on September 6, leading to a late arrival in November.
The Mayflower Compact
On November 11, before landing, 41 adult men signed the Mayflower Compact.
This document established a "civil body politic" to govern themselves and later influenced the Plymouth Colony's laws.
Puritan Beliefs
Derived from John Calvin's teachings, Puritans emphasized a sin-free, simple life.
Their churches were plain, contrasting with Catholic grandeur.
Predestination was a core belief, with only a select few destined for heaven.
Establishing the New Society
Massachusetts offered Puritans the chance to dictate acceptable beliefs and actions.
Differences among Puritans: some saw themselves as unworthy of God’s love, while others felt divinely blessed and unquestionable.
These internal differences were crucial in shaping their societal rules.