Pilgrims at Plymouth

Summary

In 1608, a group of Puritan separatists fled England for Holland to escape religious persecution. Disappointed by the Dutch's impurity, they sought a new life in America. In 1620, aboard the Mayflower, they sailed for Virginia but landed in Massachusetts. Lacking legal rights, they drafted the Mayflower Compact, establishing a basis for self-governance. Despite harsh conditions that killed half their number, the colony persevered.

Takeaways

• 🏰 **Illegal Emigration**: It was illegal for Puritans to leave England without the King's consent.
• 🌍 **Seeking Refuge in Holland**: Puritans emigrated to Holland to escape persecution and worship freely.
• 🔍 **Separatists' Belief**: Separatists believed the Church of England was irredeemably corrupt and sought complete separation.
• 🤔 **Disappointment in Holland**: The Puritans were disappointed with Holland's economy and the Dutch's religious purity.
• 🚢 **Journey to America**: In 1620, some Separatists decided to journey to America to establish a righteous community.
• 📜 **Permission from the Virginia Company**: Pilgrims received permission from the Virginia Company to settle under its jurisdiction.
• 🌊 **Mayflower Voyage**: The Mayflower, with both Separatists and non-Separatists, set sail for Virginia but ended up in Massachusetts.
• 📝 **Mayflower Compact**: The 41 adult males aboard the Mayflower created the Mayflower Compact as a basis for self-government.
• 🏛️ **Lack of Legal Authority**: The settlers had no legal authority to establish government or claim land in the new world.
• 🌡️ **Harsh First Winter**: The colony faced a harsh first winter, resulting in the death of half of the pilgrims.
• 🌱 **Colony's Survival**: Despite the hardships, the colony managed to survive.

Q & A

Why did the Puritans leave England in 1608?

The Puritans left England in 1608 to escape persecution and to worship freely without the interference of the Church of England, which they believed was corrupt.

What was the term used to describe the Puritans who believed in complete separation from the Church of England?

The term used to describe these Puritans was 'Separatists'.

Why did the Puritans find Holland disappointing?

The Puritans found Holland disappointing because the economy was structured around craft guilds that barred foreigners from joining, and they also believed the Dutch were not pure and godly enough for a permanent settlement.

What led the Puritans to consider moving to America?

The Puritans' dissatisfaction and apprehension about living in the Netherlands led them to consider moving to America to create a community of holy and righteous Puritans.

What was the purpose of the Mayflower's journey in 1620?

The purpose of the Mayflower's journey in 1620 was to transport a group of Separatists and non-Separatists to Virginia to establish a new settlement under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company.

Why did the Mayflower miss its destination of Virginia?

The Mayflower missed its destination due to a combination of navigational challenges and the harsh conditions of the 65-day sea journey.

What was the legal status of the land where the Mayflower passengers intended to settle?

The land where the Mayflower passengers intended to settle was claimed by the Virginia Company, but they ended up at Cape Cod, which was not part of the Virginia Company's land, making their settlement technically illegal.

What was the Mayflower Compact and why was it created?

The Mayflower Compact was a document created by the adult male passengers of the Mayflower to establish a basis for self-government and mutual cooperation, as they had no legal right to the land or authority to establish their own government.

How did the settlers decide on laws and governance in their new settlement?

The settlers decided on laws and governance by assembling regularly in open town meetings where every adult male settler could participate in making their own laws.

What challenges did the settlers face during their first winter in the new colony?

During their first winter, the settlers faced malnutrition, disease, and exposure, which led to the death of half of the pilgrims.

What was the long-term outcome for the colony despite the harsh first winter?

Despite the harsh first winter, the colony survived and went on to become a foundation for future settlements and the development of self-government in America.