The Mayflower

Separatists In 1606 a group of people called the Separatists lived in England. They prayed secretly since King James did not allow their religion in England. They moved to Holland for freedom but were afraid their children would loose their heritage. When they heard of the New World, they wanted to go.

What did they do? In 1620, the Separatists went back to England so they could sail to the New World. The Separatists meet with the businessmen of the Virginia Company and made a deal. The Separatists would go to the New World and work for the businessmen for 7 years by cutting wood and gathering fur. After 7 years, they voyage would be paid for.

The Trip on the Mayflower Soon the dock was filled with people. Some people like John Billington brought their families. They were leaving for religious reasons. Others were alone and were going because they could not find work in England. People brought the little they owned. Many of them were sure they would never see England again!

The Trip on the Mayflower Many of the passengers brought tools, cooking pans, and bedding. They also tried to bring a fishing boat. They had to saw it into 4 pieces to get it on the Mayflower. The Separatists learned about other people who were on the ship. One adventurer was Myles Standish. He was a soldier and brought guns to protect people from the Native Americans.

The Mayflower Sets Sail On Sept. 6, 1620, the Mayflower set sail. The women looked for places to set up places for their families to sleep. There were not enough bunks so hammocks were set up. Some even slept on the floor! Even though the ship was crowded, the Separatist Pilgrims prayed and sang every morning.

The Mayflower at Sea Women cooked on the deck when weather permitted. If it was too windy the captain would not allow it. He was afraid the ship could be set on fire! On bad days, the Pilgrims had to eat cold, dry food. It was icy cold weather in October and the Mayflower hit many storms. The rain ran through the ship and soaked the Pilgrims’ bed, food, clothes and them!

The Mayflower Sights Land After some time at sea, land was spotted. The women were ready to go ashore but the men were busy signing an agreement. Since they were going to a land with no laws, they decided they needed to make their own. They agreed on laws that would be good for all Pilgrims. The men signed the Mayflower Compact.

The Mayflower Compact The Mayflower Compact was a new idea during the time of monarch rule. It provided laws that were good for all. This is similar to our class constitution. It also included the idea of majority rule. Just like we vote in class, the most votes for something is chosen.

The Pilgrims Settle Down After several weeks of searching for a prosperous location, the Pilgrims decided on a harbor location. There was fresh water and fertile land. John Smith named the place Plymouth years before. Have you every heard of Plymouth Rock?

Important Facts A pilgrim is a person who makes a journey for religious reasons. The Pilgrims left for the New World for religious reasons and to keep their heritage and culture. The Mayflower Compact was a document of laws for the people to follow.