Pilgrims

Definition

Pilgrims were a group of English settlers who traveled to North America in 1620 seeking religious freedom, establishing the Plymouth Colony. Their journey represents a significant moment in the early interactions between European settlers and Native Americans, and highlights the impact of European colonization on indigenous societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pilgrims were part of a Puritan sect that sought to separate from the Church of England due to its perceived corruption and lack of true religious freedom.
2. They originally set sail for Virginia but ended up landing at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts after facing difficult weather conditions.
3. The Pilgrims faced severe hardships during their first winter, leading to a high mortality rate, but they received crucial assistance from the Wampanoag tribe.
4. The first Thanksgiving is often associated with the Pilgrims' successful harvest in 1621, where they celebrated with the Wampanoag people as a gesture of gratitude for their help.
5. The legacy of the Pilgrims continues to influence American culture, particularly through themes of religious freedom and self-governance.

Review Questions

• How did the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom shape their interactions with Native American tribes?
  • The Pilgrims sought religious freedom as they fled persecution in England, which motivated them to settle in North America. This quest led them to establish relationships with Native American tribes like the Wampanoag. While initially fraught with challenges, including misunderstandings and conflicts, their need for assistance to survive created opportunities for cooperation, such as sharing agricultural knowledge during their first years.
• Evaluate the significance of the Mayflower Compact in establishing governance among the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony.
  • The Mayflower Compact was significant because it established a framework for self-governance among the Pilgrims when they arrived in Plymouth. This document set a precedent for future democratic governance in America by emphasizing majority rule and collective decision-making. It marked an important shift from absolute authority to a form of government that represented the consent of the governed, influencing future colonial charters.
• Analyze how the Pilgrims' arrival and subsequent settlement affected indigenous communities in New England.
  • The arrival of the Pilgrims led to profound changes for indigenous communities like the Wampanoag. Initially, there were cooperative relationships based on mutual benefit, especially regarding trade and agriculture. However, as more settlers arrived and colonies expanded, land disputes and competition for resources intensified. This shift ultimately resulted in conflict and significant disruptions to Native American ways of life, leading to long-lasting consequences for indigenous populations in New England.

Related terms

Mayflower Compact:

The agreement signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a rudimentary form of self-government and promoting majority rule in their new colony.

Plymouth Colony:

The first permanent English settlement in New England, founded by the Pilgrims in 1620, known for its early challenges and interactions with local Native American tribes.

Wampanoag:

The Native American tribe that interacted with the Pilgrims, known for their role in assisting the settlers during their initial years and famously celebrated during the first Thanksgiving.