The Mayflower CompactThe Mayflower Compact

• November 11, 1620 – a ship called the November 11, 1620 – a ship called the Mayflower Mayflower lands off the coast of lands off the coast of MassachusettsMassachusetts

• The ship carries 102 passengers from England The ship carries 102 passengers from England

PassengersPassengers• Passengers can be divided into 2 groups:Passengers can be divided into 2 groups: 41 of the 102 passengers are Pilgrims, seeking a 41 of the 102 passengers are Pilgrims, seeking a

new life in America where they could practice new life in America where they could practice their religion as they chosetheir religion as they chose

The remaining 2/3 of passengers are a mix of The remaining 2/3 of passengers are a mix of common people in search of wealth and a new common people in search of wealth and a new life: merchants, craftsmen, workers, servants, life: merchants, craftsmen, workers, servants, and young children – the Pilgrims refer to these and young children – the Pilgrims refer to these passengers as “strangers”passengers as “strangers”

How the Voyage Came How the Voyage Came aboutabout

• The Pilgrims had organized the voyage and The Pilgrims had organized the voyage and secured the right to settle on land in America.secured the right to settle on land in America.

• The Pilgrims had signed a contract to share with The Pilgrims had signed a contract to share with London stockholders the planned profits from the London stockholders the planned profits from the colony.colony.

• The 2/3 of the passengers who were common The 2/3 of the passengers who were common people were added to increase the chance of people were added to increase the chance of success of the colony.success of the colony.

• The voyage lasts 2 months and covers 3,000 The voyage lasts 2 months and covers 3,000 milesmiles

• The ship lands far north of its planned destination The ship lands far north of its planned destination in Virginia – landing instead near present day in Virginia – landing instead near present day Cape CodCape Cod

• The Pilgrims decide to land here to build their The Pilgrims decide to land here to build their community – causing an argument to break out community – causing an argument to break out between the Pilgrims and the “strangers” – some between the Pilgrims and the “strangers” – some dispute exists about wheth.er landing here was dispute exists about wheth.er landing here was intentional or not.intentional or not.

Rebellion BrewingRebellion Brewing

• Many of the “strangers” wanted to continue on as Many of the “strangers” wanted to continue on as planned to Virginiaplanned to Virginia

• Some “strangers” argued that, since the Cape Cod Some “strangers” argued that, since the Cape Cod area was outside of the jurisdiction of the Virginia area was outside of the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company, its rules and regulations no longer appliedCompany, its rules and regulations no longer applied

• Result: 102 people cut off from any form of Result: 102 people cut off from any form of government and a rebellion brewing amongst themgovernment and a rebellion brewing amongst them

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

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

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?