The document summarizes the origins and journey of the Pilgrims to America. It explains that the Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists led by William Bradford who sought religious freedom in America. They departed England on the Mayflower in 1620 and settled in Plymouth after a difficult journey and first winter. The Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact to establish a system of self-government and survived with help from the Native American Squanto. They held the first Thanksgiving with the Wampanoag people to celebrate their harvest.