The Mayflower Compact 1620

The Mayflower Compact November 11, 1620 – a ship called the Mayflower lands off the coast of Massachusetts The ship carries 102 passengers from England

Passengers Passengers can be divided into 2 groups: 41 of the 102 passengers are Pilgrims, seeking a new life in America where they could practice their religion as they chose The remaining 2/3 of passengers are a mix of common people in search of wealth and a new life: merchants, craftsmen, workers, servants, and young children – the Pilgrims refer to these passengers as “strangers”

How the Voyage Came about The Pilgrims had organized the voyage and secured the right to settle on land in America The Pilgrims had signed a contract to share with London stockholders the planned profits from the colony The 2/3 of the passengers who were common people were added to increase the chance of success of the colony

Roots of the Compact The voyage lasts 2 months and covers 3,000 miles The ship lands far north of its planned destination in Virginia – landing instead near present day Cape Cod The Pilgrims decide to land here to build their community – causing an argument to break out between the Pilgrims and the “strangers” – some dispute exists about whether landing here was intentional or not

Rebellion Brewing Many of the “strangers” wanted to continue on as planned to Virginia Some “strangers” argued that, since the Cape Cod area was outside of the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company, its rules and regulations no longer applied Result: 102 people cut off from any form of government and a rebellion brewing amongst them

The Mayflower Compact The first record of self-government in America is actually derived from necessity The Pilgrims and “Strangers” make a written agreement to make and obey laws The compact was signed by nearly all of the adult male passengers The opening line of the Compact refers to the passengers as “loyal subjects” of the king

The Mayflower Compact Very short and simple document It binds the signers into a “Civil Body Politic” for the purpose of passing “just and equal laws…for the general good of the colony” As simple as it is, it expresses the idea of self-government in America for the first time

Self-Government takes Shape The signers elect a Pilgrim leader to be governor of their colony – which they will call Plymouth Plantation Each year, the “Civil Body Politic” (all the adult males except the servants) assemble to elect the governor and a few assistants William Bradford was re-elected 30 times

Why is it Important? It contains the idea of law made by people The compact of self-government would evolve into the town meetings of New England (a format still used today) Most important to remember: It gave America the idea of self-government

Review Questions What 2 groups made up the passengers on the Mayflower? What events caused the passengers to write and sign the Mayflower Compact? What is the most important idea contained in the Mayflower Compact?

Activity You will get into groups You will complete the Mayflower Compact activity sheet You will then, in your same group, create the Survivor Compact.