1620

Definition

The year 1620 marks a pivotal moment in American history, primarily recognized for the arrival of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. This event represents a significant migration of English Puritans seeking religious freedom and is a key marker in the timeline of early Colonial America, shaping future settlement patterns and interactions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pilgrims set sail from England on September 16, 1620, and landed at Cape Cod in November after a challenging voyage.
2. Upon landing, the Pilgrims faced harsh conditions, including food shortages and extreme weather, leading to a high mortality rate during their first winter.
3. The Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 male passengers before disembarking and is often cited as an early example of social contract theory in governance.
4. Relations with local Indigenous tribes, particularly the Wampanoag people, were initially cooperative, leading to the famous Thanksgiving celebration in 1621.
5. Plymouth Colony eventually merged with the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691, significantly influencing the political and cultural development of New England.

Review Questions

• How did the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620 influence the development of self-governance in Colonial America?
  • The arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620 had a profound impact on self-governance as they established the Mayflower Compact, which created a framework for democratic decision-making among settlers. This compact was significant because it represented an agreement among individuals to form a government based on majority rule, laying the foundation for future democratic practices. The Pilgrims' commitment to self-governance set a precedent for later colonial assemblies and democratic developments in America.
• Analyze how the establishment of Plymouth Colony in 1620 contributed to interactions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
  • The establishment of Plymouth Colony in 1620 led to complex interactions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. Initially, there was cooperation between the Pilgrims and local tribes such as the Wampanoag, who helped them survive their first winter through trade and agricultural knowledge. However, as more settlers arrived over subsequent years, tensions increased due to land disputes and differing cultural perspectives. These interactions would shape both colonial expansion and Indigenous responses in New England.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the events of 1620 for shaping American identity and values.
  • The events of 1620, particularly through the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom and self-governance, played a crucial role in shaping American identity and values. The principles established by the Mayflower Compact promoted ideas of individual rights, community responsibility, and democratic governance that resonate in American political thought today. Additionally, the narrative of religious freedom that emerged from this period has become central to America's national identity, influencing future migrations and cultural developments as people sought refuge from persecution.

Related terms

Mayflower Compact:

A foundational document created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing self-governance and laying the groundwork for democratic principles in the Plymouth Colony.

Plymouth Colony:

The first permanent English settlement in New England, founded by the Pilgrims in 1620, which became a model for future colonies in America.

Puritans:

A religious group that sought to purify the Church of England, many of whom migrated to America to escape persecution and establish a community based on their beliefs.