1. Separatists During the 1500s in England people could be punished for their beliefs. Many of these people called Separatists left England and Settled in the Netherlands

2. They left the Church in England to Practice Christianity in their own way.

3. In 1620 still not happy a group of Separatists left the Netherlands and settled in Virginia. We know these people as the Pilgrims- a person who takes a religious journey

4. The Plymouth Colony 100 settlers set sail aboard the Mayflower. Because of storms that occurred on the long journey they were blow off course In 1620 they landed in what we know today as Massachusetts. They named this place Plymouth.

6. The Pilgrims did not land in Virginia so they believed they were not bound by the Virginia Company laws. Do you think they need rules? The adult men of the colony created an agreement which called for “just and equal laws” and officeholder would be elected by the colony’s males.

7. Mayflower Compact This was the first document in which American colonists claimed their right to govern themselves

8. What do you think life was like during the first winter at Plymouth? They arrived to late to plant crops During the winter of 1620-1621 half of the colonists died from hunger and disease

9. How do you think the Pilgrims will survive? Native Americans come to the aid with food and supplies. Squanto? A Native American who gave the Pilgrims local seeds of native plants such as pumpkins, corn, and beans. He taught them how to plant them and helped them catch game and fish and eels in nearby rivers.

10. The First Thanksgiving