Mayflower

Definition

The Mayflower was the ship that carried the Pilgrims from England to the New World in 1620, marking a significant event in early American history. This journey led to the establishment of Plymouth Colony, which became one of the first successful English settlements in North America. The Mayflower symbolizes the pursuit of religious freedom and the beginnings of a new society based on different values from those in Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mayflower departed from Southampton, England, in September 1620, and after a treacherous journey, it arrived at Cape Cod in November of the same year.
2. Of the original 102 passengers aboard the Mayflower, around half were Pilgrims seeking religious freedom, while others were adventurers and tradesmen.
3. The Mayflower Compact was an important step toward self-governance as it represented an agreement among the settlers to form a government based on consent and majority rule.
4. The Pilgrims faced a harsh winter in Plymouth, with many succumbing to illness and starvation; however, they established friendly relations with local Native American tribes, which aided their survival.
5. The legacy of the Mayflower and its passengers has led to annual celebrations such as Thanksgiving, emphasizing themes of cooperation and gratitude.

Review Questions

• How did the Mayflower's journey reflect the desires and challenges faced by its passengers?
  • The Mayflower's journey epitomized the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom and their determination to establish a new life away from England's strict religious norms. However, this journey was fraught with challenges such as navigating treacherous waters, limited provisions, and facing an unknown land. Upon arrival, they encountered harsh weather conditions and had to quickly adapt to survive, highlighting their resilience and commitment to their cause.
• Discuss the significance of the Mayflower Compact in shaping early American governance.
  • The Mayflower Compact was significant because it laid the groundwork for self-governance in what would become the United States. By agreeing to form a government based on consent and majority rule, the Pilgrims established a democratic principle that would influence future political systems. This compact demonstrated an early form of social contract theory, where individuals came together to create a government for their collective benefit.
• Evaluate how the arrival of the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony contributed to broader patterns of colonization in North America.
  • The arrival of the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony marked a critical moment in North America's colonization, illustrating the tensions between European settlers and Native American populations. This event initiated a wave of migration that would lead to further English settlements along the Atlantic coast. The Pilgrims' interactions with Native Americans also reflected broader patterns of cultural exchange, conflict, and adaptation that characterized European colonization efforts across the continent.

Related terms

Pilgrims:

A group of English settlers who traveled on the Mayflower seeking religious freedom and who established Plymouth Colony.

Plymouth Colony:

The first permanent English settlement in New England, founded by the Pilgrims in December 1620 after landing at Plymouth Rock.

Mayflower Compact:

A document signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower that established a basic form of government and asserted their commitment to a civil society based on majority rule.