Massachusetts I

What did the Pilgrims call themselves?

Separatists.

What religion were the Pilgrims?

Calvinist.

Why did the Pilgrims leave the Church of England?

They believed it was too corrupt to fix.

Why are they called 'Pilgrims'?

They moved from place to place (England → Amsterdam → back to England → America).

Why did the Pilgrims leave Amsterdam?

Their kids were becoming 'too Dutch' — they wanted them to stay fully English.

Why did the Pilgrims go to America?

To practice their religion freely (religious freedom).

What ship failed before they left?

The Speedwell.

What ship did they ultimately take?

The Mayflower.

What was the problem with the Mayflower's voyage?

Left late, hit storms, blown off course, nearly wrecked.

Where did the Pilgrims intend to land?

Near Jamestown, in Virginia Company's territory.

Where did they actually land?

New England — outside legally chartered settlement zones.

Why was the Mayflower Compact created?

They were outside legal English territory and needed a government.

What were the two parts of the Mayflower Compact?

A letter to the Virginia Company asking permission to stay and an agreement to govern themselves with communal work and shared resources.

What type of economy did the Compact create?

Communal (shared property and food).

What happened during the first year?

Starvation and crop failure.

Who helped the Pilgrims survive?

Local Native Americans (taught them to plant corn).

What cultural impact did the Pilgrims leave?

The Thanksgiving tradition.

How were the Puritans different from the Pilgrims?

Puritans were not separatists — they wanted to purify the Church of England, not leave it.

Why weren't Puritans considered outlaws in England?

They were wealthy, powerful, and influential in Parliament.

How did Puritans avoid the problems of Virginia's joint-stock system?

They bought out the entire Massachusetts Company themselves.

Why was buying the company important?

They controlled the colony, the company couldn't boss them around, and they effectively governed themselves.

What was the 'Great Fleet'?

11 Puritan ships carrying 700 colonists in 1630.

How were the Puritan migrations different from the Pilgrims?

Puritans arrived in much larger, wealthier groups.

Why did Puritans actually leave England?

They wanted to build a model Christian society — not because they were persecuted.

Who was the Puritan leader and first governor?

John Winthrop.

What famous phrase did Winthrop use?

A city upon a hill.

What did 'city upon a hill' mean?

The Puritans believed their colony would be a moral example for England to follow.

How has this phrase been used later in history?

U.S. politicians (Reagan, Bush, etc.) used it to claim America is an example to the world.

Why did Pilgrims and Puritans eventually merge into one colony?

Both were Calvinist, Puritans didn't bring Church of England clergy, and Puritans controlled the company and governed both groups.