The document discusses the settlement of Plymouth Colony in 1620, noting that the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower were religious Separatists who wanted to establish their own religious community free from the Church of England after facing persecution in England. It describes how they signed the Mayflower Compact while aboard the ship to set up a government and laws, and then struggled during their first year in Plymouth with many dying from disease and exposure during the long, cold winter before receiving help from Native Americans and celebrating the first Thanksgiving harvest feast.

1. Plymouth Colony
1620

2. Plymouth Essential
Question:
How did religion play a role in
the settlement of Plymouth
Colony?

3. Plymouth 1620• Pilgrims called themselves
Separatists, they wanted to
separate from the Church of
England.
• They were persecuted for their
beliefs.
• Came to establish a religious
community.
• Well prepared for a long-term stay
on the Mayflower.
• Landed in November, had to stay
aboard for 4 months.

4. • Also on the Mayflower were people
seeking economic opportunity in
Virginia
• Signed a “Compact” promising to set
up a government and laws all could
agree on.
• Known as “The Mayflower Compact”
– Based on Majority Rule
• William Bradford – leader of the
Separatists; helped draft the Mayflower
Compact
Mayflower Compact 1620

5. Struggle, then Celebration
• Many died the first year from exposure and
disease.
• Cold long winter(Mini ice-age); Sandy soil
• Had to learn how to grow in sandy soil.
• Received help from the Native Americans.
• The two groups celebrated harvest with a
feast we know today as Thanksgiving.