The Plymouth Colony

Persecution in England Under King Henry VIII, the Church of England was very intolerant of some religious beliefs A group of people wanted to separate from the Church of England, they are called the Separatists Between 1607 and 1609, many Separatists settle in the Netherlands

Separatists Leave for North America In 1620, a group of Separatists leave the Netherlands seeking more religious freedom Today, these people are called the Pilgrims

Plymouth In September 1620, 100 Pilgrims sailed for Virginia aboard a ship called Mayflower A storm blew them off course and they ended up in modern day Massachusetts They called their home Plymouth, after a port city in England

The Mayflower Compact Since the Pilgrims were not under the control of the Virginia Company, they created new rules Before going ashore, 41 adult men signed and created the Mayflower Compact, which called for a government and “just and equal laws” Along with the House of Burgesses, the Mayflower Compact is a second step towards self-government in the colonies The Mayflower Compact was the first document where colonists claimed to rule themselves

The Mayflower Compact

The First Thanksgiving The Pilgrims first winter was very difficult, half of the colonists will die Local Native American tribes assist the Pilgrims and teach them to farm corn The Pilgrims set aside a day of thanks Today’s Thanksgiving holiday is born